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diff --git a/old/60058-0.txt b/old/60058-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 6f1b717..0000000 --- a/old/60058-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3808 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Giphantia, by Charles-Franc?ois Tiphaigne de La Roche - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Giphantia - Or a View of What Has Passed, What Is Now Passing, and, - During the Present Century, What Will Pass, in the World. - -Author: Charles-Franc?ois Tiphaigne de La Roche - -Release Date: August 4, 2019 [EBook #60058] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GIPHANTIA *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - GIPHANTIA: - - OR - - A VIEW of - - WHAT HAS PASSED, - WHAT IS NOW PASSING, - - And, during the PRESENT Century, - - WHAT WILL PASS, - - IN THE WORLD. - - - Translated from the original FRENCH, - With explanatory Notes. - - - LONDON. - - Printed for ROBERT HORSFIELD, in - _Ludgate-Street_. 1761. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TO THE - - Hon^{ble} MISS ROSS. - - - MADAM, - -Upon your hearing the other day Giphantia much praised by some friends, -and those no ill judges, you expressed a desire to see it in English, as -you had not, you said, French enough to read the original. I immediately -resolved to gratify your desire, and that very day sat about the -translation. - -It is now finished: and, as my hand is not very legible, I take the -liberty to address it to you in print with this Epistle Dedicatory; -which, as neither you, nor the Author, want any encomiums, nor the -Translator any excuses, I shall cut short, and beg leave to subscribe -myself with great respect and sincerity, - - Madam, - - Your most obedient - and most humble servant, - - Feb. 5, - 1761. - - The Translator. - - - - - TABLE - - OF THE - - CHAPTERS. - - - PART I. - - Page - - INTRODUCTION 1 - - CHAP. I. THE HURRICANE 4 - - CHAP. II. THE FINE PROSPECT 9 - - CHAP. III. THE VOICE 13 - - CHAP. IV. THE REVERSE 16 - - CHAP. V. THE APPARITIONS 24 - - CHAP. VI. THE SURFACES 27 - - CHAP. VII. THE GLOBE 34 - - CHAP. VIII. THE DISCOURSES 38 - - CHAP. IX. HAPPINESS 46 - - CHAP. X. THE HODGE-PODGE 51 - - CHAP. XI. THE MIRROUR 56 - - CHAP. XII. THE TRIAL 63 - - CHAP. XIII. THE TALENTS 73 - - CHAP. XIV. THE TASTE OF THE AGE 79 - - CHAP. XV. THE FEMALE REASONER 82 - - CHAP. XVI. THE CROCODILES 85 - - CHAP. XVII. THE STORM 93 - - CHAP. XVIII. THE GALLERY 99 - - CHAP. XIX. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GALLERY 116 - -[Illustration] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - GIPHANTIA. - - PART THE FIRST. - - - - - INTRODUCTION. - - -No man ever had a stronger inclination for travelling than myself. I -consider’d the whole earth as my country, and all mankind as my -brethren, and therefore thought it incumbent upon me to travel thro’ the -earth and visit my brethren. I have walk’d over the ruins of the antient -world, have view’d the monuments of modern pride, and, at the sight of -all-devouring time, have wept over both. I have often found great folly -among the nations that pass for the most civiliz’d, and sometimes as -great wisdom among those that are counted the most savage. I have seen -small states supported by virtue, and mighty empires shaken by vice, -whilst a mistaken policy has been employ’d to inrich the subjects, -without any endeavours to render them virtuous. - -After having gone over the whole world and visited all the inhabitants, -I find it does not answer the pains I have taken. I have just been -reviewing my memoirs concerning the several nations, their prejudices, -their customs and manners, their politicks, their laws, their religion, -their history; and I have thrown them all into the fire. It grieves me -to record such a monstrous mixture of humanity and barbarousness, of -grandeur and meanness, of reason and folly. - -The small part, I have preserv’d, is what I am now publishing. If it has -no other merit, certainly it has novelty to recommend it. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. I. - THE HURRICANE. - - -I was on the borders of Guinea towards the desarts that bound it on the -North. I contemplated the immense wilds, the very idea of which shocks -the firmest mind. On a sudden I was seized with an ardent desire to -penetrate into those desarts and see how far nature denies herself to -mankind. Perhaps (said I) among these scorching plains there is some -fertile spot unknown to the rest of the world. Perhaps I shall find men -who have neither been polished nor corrupted by commerce with others. - -In vain did I represent to myself the dangers and even the almost -certain death to which such an enterprize would expose me; I could not -drive the thought out of my head. One winter’s day (for it was in the -dog-days) the wind being southwest, the sky clear, and the air -temperate, furnished with something to asswage hunger and thirst, with a -glass-mask to save my eyes from the clouds of sands, and with a compass -to guide my steps, I sate out from the borders of Guinea and advanced -into the desart. - -I went on two whole days without seeing any thing extraordinary: in the -beginning of the third I perceived all around me nothing but a few -almost sapless shrubs and some tufts of rushes, most of which were dried -up by the heat of the sun. These are nature’s last productions in those -barren regions; here her teeming virtue stops, nor can life be farther -extended in those frightful solitudes. - -I had scarce continued my course two hours over a sandy soil, where the -eye meets no object but scattered rocks, when the wind growing higher, -began to put in motion the surface of the sands. At first, the sand only -played about the foot of the rocks and formed small waves which lightly -skimmed over the plain. Such are the little billows which are seen to -rise and gently roll on the surface of the water when the sea begins to -grow rough at the approach of a storm. The sandy waves soon became -larger, dashed and broke one another; and I was exposed to the most -dreadful of hurricanes. - -Frequent whirlwinds arose, which collecting the sands carried them in -rapid gyrations to a vast height with horrible whistlings. Instantly -after, the sands, left to themselves, fell down in strait lines and -formed mountains. Clouds of dust were mixed with the clouds of the -atmosphere, and heaven and earth seemed jumbled together. Sometimes the -thickness of the whirlwinds deprived me entirely of the light of the -sun: and sometimes red transparent sands shone from afar: the air -appeared in a blaze, and the sky seemed dissolved into sparks of fire. - -Mean time, now tossed into the air by a sudden gust of wind, and now -hurled down by my own weight, I found myself one while in clouds of -sand, and another while in a gulf. Every moment I should have been -either buried or dashed in pieces, had not a benevolent Being (who will -appear presently) protected me from all harm. - -The terrible hurricane ceased with the day: the night was calm, and -weariness overcoming my fears, I fell asleep. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. II. - THE FINE PROSPECT. - - -The sun was not yet risen, when I wak’d: but the first rays enlighten’d -the east and objects began to be visible. Sleep had recover’d my -strength and calm’d my spirits: when I was awake, my fears return’d, and -the image of death presented itself again to my anxious thoughts. - -I was standing on a high rock, from whence I could view every thing -round me. I cast, with horror, my eyes on that sandy region, where I -thought I should have found my grave. What was my surprise when towards -the north I spied an even, vast and fertile plain! From a state of the -profoundest sorrow in an instant I pass’d (which usually requires time) -to a state of the highest joy; nature put on a new face; and the -frightful view of so many rocks confusedly dispers’d among the sands -serv’d only to render more affecting and more agreeable the prospect of -that delightful plain, I was going to enter. O nature! how admirable are -thy distributions! how wisely manag’d the various scenes thou presentest -to our sight! - -The plants, which grow on the edge of the plain are very small; the soil -does not yet supply sufficient moisture: but as you advance, vegetation -flourishes, and gives them a larger size and more height. The trees are -seen to rise by degrees and soon afford a shelter under their boughs. At -last, trees co-eval with the world appear with their tops in the clouds -and form an immense amphitheatre which majestically displays itself to -the eyes of the traveller and proclaims that such a habitation is not -made for mortals. - -Every thing seem’d new to me in this unknown land; every thing threw me -into astonishment. Not any of Nature’s productions which my eyes eagerly -ran over resembles those that are seen any where else. Trees, plants, -insects, reptiles, fishes, birds, all were form’d in a manner -extraordinary, and at the same time elegant and infinitely varied. But -what struck me with the greatest wonder, was that an universal -sensibility, cloath’d with all imaginable forms animated the bodies that -seem’d the least susceptible of it: even to the very plants all gave -signs of sensation. - -I walk’d on slowly in this enchanted abode. A delicious coolness kept my -senses open to the pleasure; a sweet scent glided into my blood with the -air I breath’d; my heart beat with an unusual force: and joy enlighten’d -my soul in its most gloomy recesses. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. III. - THE VOICE. - - -One thing surprised me: I did not see any inhabitants in these gardens -of delight. I know not how many ideas disturbed my mind on that -occasion, when a voice struck my ears, uttering these words: “Stop and -look stedfastly before thee; behold him who has inspired thee to -undertake so dangerous a voyage.” Amazed, I looked a good while and saw -nothing: at last I perceived a sort of spot, a kind of shade fixed in -the air a few paces from me. I continued to look at it more attentively, -and fancied, I saw a human form with a countenance so mild and ingaging -that instead of being terrified, the sight was to me a fresh motive of -joy. - -I am (said the benevolent Shade) the Prefect of this Island. Thy -inclination to Philosophy has prepossessed me in thy favour: I have -followed thee in thy late journey and defended thee from the hurricane. -I will now show thee the rarities of the place; and then I will take -care to restore thee safe to thy country. - -This Solitude with which thou art so charmed, stands in the midst of a -tempestuous ocean of moving sands; it is an island surrounded with -inaccessible desarts, which no mortal can pass without a supernatural -aid. Its name is GIPHANTIA. It was given to the elementary spirits, the -day before the Garden of Eden was allotted to the parent of mankind. Not -that the spirits spend their time here in ease and sloth. What would you -do, O ye feeble mortals! If dispersed in the air, in the sea, in the -bowels of the earth, in the sphere of fire, they did not incessantly -watch for your welfare? Without our care, the unbridled elements would -long since have effaced all remains of the human kind. Why cannot we -preserve you entirely from their disorderly sallies? Alass! our power -extends not so far: we cannot totally screen you from all the evils that -surround you: we only prevent your utter destruction. - -It is here the elementary spirits come to refresh themselves after their -labours; it is here they hold their assemblies, and concert the best -measures for the administration of the elements. - - - - - CHAP. IV. - THE REVERSE. - - -Of all the Countries in the world (added the Prefect) Giphantia is the -only one where nature still preserves her primitive vigor. She is -incessantly labouring to increase the numerous tribes of Vegetables and -Animals, and to produce new kinds. She organizes all with admirable -skill; but she does not always succeed, in rendering them perpetual. The -Mechanism of propagation is the master-piece of her wisdom: sometimes -she fails and her productions return for ever into nothing. We cherish, -with our utmost care, such as are sufficiently organized to produce -their kind; and then plant them out in the Earth. - -A Naturalist wonders sometimes to find plants that had never been -noticed before: it is because we had just then supplied the earth with -them, of which he had not the least suspicion. - -Sometimes also these Exotics not meeting with a proper Climate, decay by -degrees and the species is lost. Such are those productions which are -mention’d by the Antients and which the Moderns complain are no where to -be found. - -Such a plant still subsists but has long droop’d, and lost its -qualities, and deceives the Physician who is daily disappointed. The Art -is blam’d; it is not known that the fault is in Nature. - -I have now a collection of new simples of the greatest virtue; and I -should have imparted them to mankind before now, had there not been -strong reasons to induce me to delay it. - -For instance, I have a sovereign plant to fix the human mind, and which -would give steadiness even to a Babylonian: but for these fifty years I -have been diligently observing Babylon, and have not found one single -moment, wherein the Inclinations, Customs, and Manners have been worth -fixing. - -I have another plant, most excellent for checking the too lively sallies -of the spirit of invention: but thou knowest how rare these sallies are -now-a-days: never was invention at a lower ebb. One would think that -every thing has been said, and that nothing more remained but to adapt -things to the taste and mode of the age. - -I have a root which would never fail to allay that sourness of the -Learned who censure one another: but I observe that without their -abusing and railing at each other, no man would concern himself about -their disputes. It is a sort of pleasure to see them bring themselves as -well as Learning into contempt. I leave the malignity of the readers to -divert themselves with the malignity of the Authors. - -Moreover, do not imagine that nature sleeps in any part of the earth; -she strenuously labours even in those infinitely minute spaces where the -eye cannot reach. At Giphantia, she disposes matter on extraordinary -plans, and perpetually tends to produce something new: she every where -incessantly repeats her labours, still endeavouring to carry her works -to a degree of perfection which she never attains. These flowers which -so agreeably strike the eye, she strives to render still more beautiful. -These animals, which to you seem so dextrous, she endeavours to render -still more so. In short, Man that to you appears so superior to the -rest, she tries to render still more perfect; but in this her endeavours -prove the most unsuccessful. - -Indeed, one would think that mankind do all in their power to remain in -a much lower rank than nature designs them! and they seldom fail to turn -to their hurt the best dispositions she gives them for their Good. On -the Babylonians, for instance, nature has bestowed an inexhaustible fund -of agreeableness. Her aim was manifestly to form a people the most -aimable. They were made to enliven reason, to root out the thorns that -spring from the approaches of the sciences, to soften the austerity of -wisdom, and, if possible, to adorn virtue. Thou knowest it: her favours -which should have been diffused on these objects have been diverted from -their destination; and frivolousness and debauchery have been cloathed -with them. In the hands of the Babylonians, vice loses all her -deformity. Behold in their manners, their discourses, their writings, -with what discretion vice unveils herself, with what art she ingages, -with what address she insinuates: you have not yet thought of her, and -she is seated in your heart. Even he who, by his function, lifts up his -voice against her, dares not paint her in her true colours. In a word, -no where does vice appear less vice than at Babylon. Even to the very -names, all things are changed, all things are softened. The sincere and -honest are now-a-days your modish men who are outwardly all complaisance -but inwardly full of corruption: Good company are not the Virtuous but -those who excel in palliating vice. The man of fortitude is not he that -bears the shocks of fortune unmoved, but he that braves Providence. -Bare-faced Irreligion is now styled free-thinking, blasphemy is called -boldness of speech, and the most shameful excesses, Gallantry. Thus it -is that with what they might become a pattern to all nations, the -Babylonians (to say no worse) are grown libertines of the most seducing -and most dangerous kind. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. V. - THE APPARITIONS. - - -I return (continues the Prefect of Giphantia) to the elementary spirits. -Their constant abode in the air, always full of vapours and exhalations; -in the sea, ever mixed with salts and earths; in the fire, perpetually -used about a thousand heterogeneous bodies; in the earth, where all the -other elements are blended together: this abode, I say, by degrees -spoils the pure essence of the spirits, whose original nature is to be -(as to their material substance) all fire, all air, or other unmixt -element. This degradation has sometimes gone so far, as that by the -mixture of the different elements, the spirits have acquired a -sufficient consistence to render them visible. People have seen them in -the fire and called them Salamanders, and Cyclops: they have seen them -in the air and called them Sylphs, Zephyrs, Aquilons: they have seen -them in the water and called them Sea-nymphs, Naiads, Nereids, Tritons: -they have seen them in caverns, desarts, woods, and have called them -Gnomes, Sylvans, Fauns, Satyrs, _&c._ - -From the astonishment caused by these Apparitions, men sunk into fear, -and fear begot superstition. To these, Creatures like themselves, they -erected altars which belong only to the Creator. Their imagination -magnifying what they had seen, they soon formed a Hierarchy of -Chimerical Deities. The Sun appeared to them a luminous chariot guided -by Apollo through the celestial plains; Thunder, a fiery bolt darted by -Jupiter at the heads of the guilty: the Ocean, a vast empire, where -Neptune ruled the waves: the bowels of the earth, the gloomy residence -of Pluto, where he gave laws to the pale and timorous Ghosts: in a word, -they filled the world with Gods and Goddesses. The Earth itself became a -Deity. - -When the elementary Spirits perceived how apt their Apparitions were to -lead men into error, they took measures to be no longer visible: they -devised a sort of refiner by which from time to time they get rid of all -extraneous matter. From thence forward, no mortal eye has ever seen the -least glimpse of these spirits. - - - - - CHAP. VI. - THE SURFACES. - - -Mean while the Prefect moved on and I followed, quite astonished and -pensive. At our coming out of the wood we found ourselves before a hill, -at the foot of which stood a hollow column above a hundred feet high and -thick in proportion. I saw issuing out of the top of the column vapours -(much like the exhalations raised by the sun) in such abundance that -they were very visible. From the same column I saw coming out and -dispersing themselves in the air certain human forms, certain images -still lighter than the vapours by which they were supported. - -Behold (says the Prefect) the Refiner of the Elementary Spirits. The -column is filled with four Essences, each of which has been extracted -from each element. The Spirits plunge into them, and by a mechanism, too -long to be described, get rid of all extraneous matter. The images which -thou seest coming out of the column, are nothing more than very thin -surfaces which surrounded them and served to make them visible. These -surfaces partake of the different qualities of the spirits who excel -more or less in certain respects, as visages are expressive of the -characters of men, who differ infinitely. Thus, there are images or -surfaces of science, of learning, of prudence, of wisdom, _&c._ - -Men often cloath themselves with them, and like masks these surfaces -make them appear very different from what they really are. Hence it is -that you constantly meet with the appearance of every good, of every -virtue and every quality, though the things themselves are scarce to be -found any where. - -At Babylon especially, these surfaces are in singular esteem: all is -seen there in appearance. A Babylonian had rather be nothing and appear -every thing than to be every thing and appear nothing. So, you see only -surfaces every where and of every kind. - -Surface of modesty, the only thing needful for a Babylonian lady: it is -called decency. - -Surface of friendship, by the means of which all Babylon seems to be but -one family. Friendship is like a strong band made of very weak threads -twisted together. A Babylonian is tied to no one by the band, but he is -tied to each of his fellow-citizens by a single thread. - -Surface of piety, formerly much in use and of great influence, -now-a-days totally in disrepute. It gives people a certain Gothic air -quite ridiculous in the eyes of the moderns. It is now found only among -a few adherents to the old bigots, and in an order of men, who, on -account of their function, cannot lay it aside, how desirous soever they -may be. - -Surface of opulence, one of the most striking things in Babylon. Behold -in the Temples, in the Assemblies, in the publick Walks, those citizens -so richly dressed, those women so adorned, those children so neat, so -lively, and who promise so fair to be one day as frivolous as their -fathers: follow them to their homes; furniture of the best taste, -commodious apartments, houses like little palaces, all continues to -proclaim opulence. But stop there: if you go any farther, you will see -families in distress and hearts overflowing with cares. - -Surface of probity, for the use of Politicians and those who concern -themselves with the management of others. These great men cannot be as -honest as the lower people; they have certain maxims from which they -think it essential never to depart, and from which it is no less -essential that they appear extremely remote. - -Surface of patriotism, of which the real substance has long since -disappeared. We must distinguish, in the conduct of the Babylonians, -between the Theory and the Practice. The Theory turns entirely upon -Patriotism. Publick Good, national Interest, Glory of the Babylonian -Name, all this is the language of Theory. The Practice hangs solely upon -the hinge of private interest. It is very remarkable that in this -respect the Babylonians have long been dupes of one another. Each -plainly perceived that _Country_ did not much affect him; but he heard -others talk of it so often and so affectionately that he verily believed -there was still such a thing as a true Patriot. But now their eyes are -open and they see that all are alike. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. VII. - THE GLOBE. - - -Such is the lot of the elementary spirits, continued the Prefect of -Giphantia. No sooner are they out of the probation-column where they are -purified, but they return to their usual labours: and to see where their -presence is most necessary, and where men have most need of their -assistance. At their coming out of the column they ascend this hill. -There by a mechanism which required the utmost skill of the spirits, -every thing that passes in all parts of the world is seen and heard. -Thou art going to try the experiment thy self. - -On each side of the column is a large stair-case of above a hundred -steps which leads to the top of the hill. We went up; and were scarce -half way when my ears were struck with a disagreeable humming which -increased as we advanced. When we came to a platform in which the hill -ends, the first thing that struck my eyes was a Globe of a considerable -diameter. From the Globe proceeded the noise which I heard. At a -distance it was a humming; nearer, it was a frightful thundering noise, -formed by a confused mixture of shouts for joy, ravings of despair, -shrieks, complaints, singings, murmurs, acclamations, laughter, groans, -and whatever proclaims the immoderate sorrow and extravagant joy of -mortals. - -Small imperceptible pipes (said the Prefect) come from each point of the -earth’s surface and end at this Globe. The inside is organized so that -the motion of the air which is propagated through the imperceptible -pipes, and grows weaker in time, resumes fresh force at the entrance -into the Globe and becomes sensible again. Hence these noises and -hummings. But what would these confused sounds signify, if means were -not found to distinguish them? Behold the image of the earth painted on -the Globe; the Islands, the Continents, the Oceans which surround, join, -and divide all. Dost thou not see Europe, that quarter of the earth that -hath done so much mischief to the other three? Burning Africa, where the -arts and the wants that attend them have never penetrated? Asia, whose -luxury, passing to the European nations, has done so much good, -according to some, and so much hurt, according to others! America, still -dyed with the blood of its unhappy inhabitants, whom men of a religion, -that breathes peace and good-will, came to convert and barbarously -murder? Observe what point of the Globe, thou pleases. Place there the -end of this rod which I give thee, and putting the other end to thy ear, -thou shalt hear distinctly whatever is said in the corresponding part of -the earth. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. VIII. - DISCOURSES. - - -Surprised at this prodigy, I put the end of the rod upon Babylon; I -applied my ear, and heard what follows: - -“Since you consult me about this writing, I will fairly give you my -opinion. I think it discreet and too much so. What! not a word against -the government, against the manners, against religion! who will read -you? If you did but know how tired people are with History, Morality, -Phylosophy, Verse, Prose, and all that! The whole world are turned -writers; and you will more easily find an author than a reader. How make -impression on the crowd? How draw attention, unless by strokes levelled, -right or wrong, against place-men; by luscious touches of imagination -proper to excite the gust of pleasures blunted by excess; by the trite -arguments which, though repeated a thousand times, still please, because -they attack what we dread! This in my opinion is the only course for a -writer to take who has any pretensions to fame. Mind our Philosophers: -when they reflect, for instance, on the nature of the soul, they fall -into a doubt which with all their reason they cannot get out of. Do they -come to write? They resolve the difficulty, and the soul is mortal. If -they assert this, it is not from an inward persuasion, but from a desire -to write, and to write such things, as will be read. Again, if you had -made yourself a party: if you belonged to one of those clubs, where the -Censor passes from hand to hand, and where each, in his turn, is the -Idol! But no; you are among the literary cabals like a divine who should -pretend to be neither Jansenist nor Molinist[1]. Who, think ye, will -take care of your interests? Who will preach you up? Who will inlist -your name among those we respect?” - -I removed the end of the rod about a twentieth part of an inch lower and -I heard, probably, a Farmer of the imposts, who was making his -calculations upon the people. - -“Is it not true (said he) that in the occasions of the state, every one -should contribute in proportion to his means, after a deduction of his -necessary expences? Is it not also true, that a very short man spends -less in cloaths than a very tall one? Is it not true that this -difference of expence is very considerable, since there is occasion for -summer-habits, winter-habits, spring-habits, autumn-habits, -country-habits, riding-habits, and I know not how many others? There -should be likewise morning and evening habits; but the morning is not -known at Babylon. I would therefore have all his Majesty’s subjects -measured and taxed each inversely as his stature.... Another -consideration of equal weight. A Tax on Batchelors has been talked of; -but it was not considered. Money should be raised upon those who are -rich enough to be married, and especially upon those who are rich enough -to venture upon having children. And therefore married men should be -taxed in a ratio compounded of the amount of their capitation and the -number of their children. I have in my pocket-book I know not how many -projects as good as these, and which I have very luckily devised. Each -man has his talents: this is mine: and it is well known how much it is -to be prized now-a-days.” - -At a little distance a Grammarian was making his Observations. “Three -languages (said he) are spoken at Babylon: that of the mob: that of the -petit maitre; and that of the better sort. The first serves to express -in a disagreeable manner, shocking things. With all their judgment, some -authors have written in this language, and the Babylonians, with all -their niceness, have read them with pleasure. The second is made up of a -certain contexture of words without any meaning. You may talk this -language a whole day together, and when you have done, it will be found -you have said nothing at all. To enter into the character of the idiom, -it is essential to talk incessantly without reason, and as far as -possible from common sense. The third wants a certain precision; a -certain force and certain graces; but it is susceptible of a singular -elegance and clearness. It will not perhaps be expressive enough of the -flights of the poet or the transports of the musician: but it expresses -with admirable ease all the ideas of him who observes, compares, -discusses, and seeks the truth. Without doubt, it is the properest -language for reasoning; and most unhappily it is the least used for that -purpose.” - -Methought I heard a woman’s voice at a little distance, and put my rod -there. “I confess (said she) I am foolishly fond of this romance. -Nothing can be better penned. However, this same Julia, who holds out -during three volumes, and does not surrender till the end of the fourth, -makes the intrigue a little too tedious. It is also pity that the -viscount advances so slowly. He uses such preambles, spends so much time -in protestations, and presses his conquest with so much caution, that he -has put me, who am none of the liveliest, a hundred times out of -patience. Surely the author was little acquainted with the manners of -the nation!” - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. IX. - HAPPINESS. - - -The end of my rod by chance fell upon an assembly, where they were -talking of Happiness. Each declared his opinion as follows: - -“At length (says one) this superb Colonnade is laid open; they think of -removing those pitiful little houses which darken that grand and -beautiful front; they repent of having built under ground to adorn a -place; Taste is reviving; the Arts are going to flourish: very shortly -Babylon will proclaim the magnificence of the monarch and the happiness -of the people.... It is a great question whether colonnades, fine -squares, and large cities, will make a nation happy: they must be -enriched. Industry must be excited, agriculture incouraged, manufactures -increased, and trade made to flourish: without which, all the rest is -nothing.... Nonsense! I have said it, and I say it again: if we will be -happy, our manners must be more simple; the circle of our wants -contracted; and, in a country-life, we must withdraw from the vices -which attend the luxury of cities.... I do not know wherein consists the -happiness of nations; but I think the happiness of individuals consists -in the health of the body and peace of the mind.... Assuredly not. -Health causes no lively impression, and tranquility is tiresome. To be -happy, you must enjoy a great reputation; for, at every instant, your -ear will be tickled with encomiums.... Yes! and at every instant your -ear will be grated with censures, because there is no pleasing every -body. It is my opinion, every man is happy in proportion to his -authority and power: for one can gratify oneself in the same -proportion.... Yes! but then that eagerness will be wanting which stamps -a value upon things: if all was in our power, we should care for -nothing. For my part, I am of opinion, that to be happy we must despise -all things; that is the only way to avoid all kind of vexation and -trouble whatsoever.... And I think, we should concern ourselves with -every thing: by that means we shall partake of every occasion of joy.... -Now I think we should be indifferent to every thing: as the means of -enjoying an unchangeable happiness.... I take Wisdom to be the thing, -for that alone will set us above all events.... And I say, it must be -Folly: for Folly creates her own happiness, independently of any thing -cross or disagreeable about her.... You are all of you in the wrong. -Nothing general can be assigned that may be productive of the happiness -of particular persons. So many men, so many minds: this desires one kind -of happiness, and that another: one wishes for riches, another is -content with necessaries; this would love and be loved; that considers -the passions as the bane of the soul. Every one must study himself and -follow his own inclination.... Not at all; and you are as much mistaken -as the rest. In vain do I persuade myself that I should be happy, if I -possessed such a thing; the moment I have it, I find it insufficient, -and wish for another. We desire without end; and never enjoy. A certain -man was continually travelling about, and always on foot: quite tired -out, he said: If I had a horse I should be contented. He had a horse; -but the rain, the cold, the sun were still troublesome to him. A horse -(says he) is not sufficient; a chariot only can screen me from the -inclemencies of the air. His fortune increased, and a chariot was -bought. What followed? Exercise till then had kept our traveller in -health: as soon as that ceased, he grew infirm and gouty, and presently -after, it was not possible for him to travel either on foot or on -horseback or in a chariot.” - - - - - CHAP. X. - THE HODGE-PODGE. - - -I did not keep the rod any longer in one place; but moved it here and -there without distinction: and I heard only broken discourses, such as -these: - -“War, taxes, misery, are dreaded; insignificant fears all these: alas! -mine are very different. I have here framed a system upon Earthquakes; -and, by calculation, I find that near the center of the globe there is -now forming an internal fire that will turn the world upside down. -Within six months the earth will burst like a bomb, and all nature.... -Yes! all nature vanishes in my eyes; thou alone dost exist for me: -extinguish, my dear, extinguish the flame thou has lighted in my bosom. -What a moment! Pleasure drowns all my senses: my soul, penetrated with -delight, seems to be upon the wing: she beats, she trembles, she flies: -O receive her, my dear, she is wholly thine. Ah! I hear my husband’s -footsteps; let us run.... Courage, brave soldiers! strike home; revenge -your country; let the blood flow, and give no quarter. May the Islanders -perish and the Babylonians live!... I do aver, for my part that of all -the nations there is not one so gay as the Babylonians. They always take -things on the most smiling side. One day of prosperity makes them forget -a whole year of adversity. Even at their own misery, they all sing; and -an epigram pays them for their losses caused by the follies of the -Great.... O how little are our great ones! and how foolish are our wise -ones! I cannot help thinking man an imperfect creature. I plainly see -nature’s efforts to make him reasonable; but I see too these efforts are -fruitless. Materials are wanting. There are but two ages: the age of -weakness in which we are born and pass two thirds of life; and the age -of infancy in which we grow old and die. I have indeed heard talk of an -age of reason; but I do not see it come. I conclude therefore, and I -say.... Yes! madam! of transparent cotton. The discovery was very lately -made in Terra Australis: so no more colds and defluxions. Transparent -handkerchiefs, gloves, and stockings, will defend from the weather, and -at the same time give us a sight of that admirable bosom, those charming -arms, that divine leg.... Doubts every where, certainty no where. How -tired am I to hear, to read, to reflect, and to know nothing precisely. -Who will tell me only what is.... This, sir, is the country-man who -leaving his plough, is come to talk with you about the affair of those -poor orphans which is not ended. That is true, but what would you have? -We are so overwhelmed! No matter, it shall be decided.... Ah! good sir, -I am glad to see you; I owe you a compliment: the last wig I had of you -makes me look ten years older. Surely the gentleman did not think, I had -so magisterial a face! Do you know, my dear sir, that it is enough to -make me look ridiculous, and you to forfeit your reputation.... Grant, O -Lord, three weeks of a westerly wind that my ship may sail.... O Lord, -three weeks of an easterly wind that my ship may arrive.... Give me, O -God, give me children.... O God! send a malignant fever upon my -ungracious son.... O Lord! grant me a husband.... O God! rid me of -mine....” - -Perhaps all this Hodge-Podge will not be relished by most of my readers. -I should be sorry for it. To what end then do mortals hold such odd, -such silly and such contradictory discourses? - - - - - CHAP. XI. - THE MIRROUR. - - -As I was amusing myself with these broken speeches, the Prefect of -Giphantia presented me with a Mirrour. Thou canst only (says he) guess -at things: but with thy rod and that glass, thou art going to hear and -see both at once; nothing will escape thee; thou wilt be as present to -whatever passes. - -From space to space (continued the Prefect) there are in the atmosphere -portions of air which the spirits have so ranged, that they receive the -rays reflected from the different parts of the earth, and remit them to -this Mirrour: so that by inclining the glass different ways, the several -parts of the earth’s surface will be visible on it. They will all appear -one after the other, if the Mirrour is placed successively in all -possible aspects. It is in thy power to view the habitations of every -mortal. - -I hastily took up the wonderful glass. In less than a quarter of an hour -I surveyed the whole earth. - -I perceived many void spaces, even in the most populous countries! and -yet I saw men crowding, jostling and destroying one another, as if they -had wanted room. - -I looked about a good-while for happiness, and found it no where; not -even in the most flourishing kingdoms. I saw only some signs of it in -the villages, which by their remoteness were screened from the contagion -of the cities. - -I beheld in one view the vast countries which nature meant to separate -by still vaster oceans; and I saw men cover the sea with ships, and by -that means join even these distant countries. This is plainly acting -(said I) against nature’s intentions: such proceedings cannot be crowned -with success. Accordingly, Europe does not appear more happy since her -junction with America: and I do not know whether she has not more reason -to lament it. - -I saw prejudices vary with the climates, and, every where, do much good -and much harm. - -I beheld wise nations rejoice at the birth of their children, and -deplore the death of their relations and friends: I beheld others more -wise stand round the new-born babe, and weep bitterly at the thoughts of -the storms he was to undergo in the course of his life; they reserved -their rejoicings for funerals, and congratulated the deceased upon their -being delivered from the miseries of this world. - -I saw the earth covered with monuments of all kinds, which human -weakness erects to the ambition of heroes. In the very temples, the -brass and the marble, which contain the remains of the dead, present -images of war, and breathe slaughter: the very statues of those friends -of mankind, of those pacific sovereigns, whom the calamities of the -times involve in short wars, are adorned with warlike instruments and -nations in chains, as if Laurels died in blood were only worthy to crown -Kings. - -I saw the most respectable of human propensities carry men to the -strangest excesses. Some were addressing their prayers to the Sun, -others were imploring the aid of the Moon, and others prostrating -themselves before Mountains; one was trembling at the aspect of -thundering Jove, another was bending the knee to an Ape. The Ox, the -Dog, the Cat, had their altars. Incense was burning even to Vegetables; -Grain, Beans, and Onions had their worship and votaries. - -I saw the race of mankind divide themselves into as many Parties as -Religions; these Parties I saw divest themselves of all humanity and -cloath themselves with Fanaticism, and these Fanatics worrying one -another like wild beasts. - -I saw men who adored the same God, who sacrificed upon the same altar, -who preached to the people the doctrine of peace and love, I saw these -very men fall out about unintelligible questions, and mutually hate, -persecute, and destroy one another. O God! what will become of man, if -thy goodness doth not exceed their weakness and folly? - -In a word, I saw the several nations, diversified in a thousand -respects, all agree in their not being one better than another. All men -are bad, the Ultramontane by system, the Iberian by pride, the Batavian -by interest, the German by roughness, the Islander by humour, the -Babylonian by caprice, and All by a general corruption of heart. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XII. - THE TRIAL. - - -After this general survey of the whole earth, I had a mind to view -Babylon in particular. Having turned my glass to the north, and -inclining it gently to the 20th meridian, I tried to find out that great -city. Among the places that passed in succession under my eyes, there -was one that fixed my attention. I saw a country-house, neither small -nor great, neither too much adorned nor too naked. All about it was more -embellished by nature than by art. It overlooked gardens, groves, and -some ponds which bounded a hill on the east. A country feast was at this -time celebrating, to which all the neighbouring inhabitants were come. -Some, stretched on the green turf, were drinking large draughts, and -entertaining one another with their former amours; and several were -performing dances, which the old men did not think so fine as those of -time past. - -Seest thou (says the Prefect to me) in the balcony, that young lady who -with a smiling air is viewing the sight? She was married some days ago, -and it is on her account that this feast is made. Her name is _Sophia_: -she has beauty as you see, fortune, wit, and what is worth more than all -the rest, a stock of good sense. She had five Lovers at one time: none -made a deep impression in her heart, none were displeasing to her; she -could not tell to which to give the preference. - -One day she said to them, I am young; and it is not my intention to -enter yet into the bands of matrimony, which is always done too soon. If -my hand is so valuable as by your eager addresses you seem to think, -exert your endeavours to deserve it. But, I declare to you that I shall -not make any choice these several years. - -Of Sophia’s five Lovers, the first was much inclined to extravagance. -Women (says he) are taken with the outside: let us spend freely and -spare nothing. - -The second had a fund of economy which bordered upon avarice. Sophia -(says he) who has a solid judgment, must think him best that shows -himself capable of amassing riches: let us turn to commerce. - -The third was proud and haughty. Surely (says he) Sophia, who has noble -thoughts, will be touched with the lustre of glory: let us take to arms. - -The fourth was a studious man. Sophia (says he) who has so much sense, -will incline to where the most is to be found. Let us continue to -cultivate our mind; and strive to distinguish ourselves among the -learned. - -The fifth was an indolent man, who gave himself little concern about -worldly affairs: he was at a loss what course to take. - -Each pursued his plan, and pursued it with that ardor which love alone -is capable of inspiring. - -The prodigal expended part of his estate in cloaths, in equipages, in -domesticks; he built a fine house, furnished it nobly, kept open table, -gave balls and entertainments of all kinds: nothing was talked of but -his generosity and magnificence. - -The merchant set all the springs of commerce in motion, traded to all -parts of the world and became one of the richest men of his country. The -military man sought occasions; and soon signalized himself. The studious -man redoubled his efforts, made discoveries, and became famous. - -Mean while, the indolent lover made his reflections; and, believing if -he remained unactive he should be excluded, he strove to conquer his -indolence. The estate, he had from his ancestors, seemed to him very -sufficient, and he did not care to meddle with commerce; the hurry of -war was quite opposite to his temper, and he had no mind to take to -arms; he had never read but for his amusement, the sciences did not seem -to him worth the pains to come at them; he had no ambition to become -learned. What then is to be done? Let us wait, (says he) time will show. -So he remained at his country-house, pruning his trees, reading Horace, -and now and then going to see the only object that disturbed his -tranquillity. Ever resolving to take some course, the time slipt away, -and he took none. - -The fatal hour approaches (said he sometimes to Sophia) you are going to -make your choice, and most assuredly it will not be in my favour. Yet a -few days, and I am undone. This peaceful retreat, those delightful -fields you will not grace, you will not enliven, with your presence. -Those serene days that I reckoned to pass with you in the purest of -pleasures were only flattering dreams with which love charmed my senses. -O Sophia! all that stirs the passions and troubles the repose of men has -no power over me; my desires are all centered in you; and I am going to -lose you for ever! - -You are too reasonable, replied Sophia, to take it ill that I should -chuse where I think I shall be happy. - -At last, the time was expired, and not without many reflections, Sophia -resolved to make her choice. - -She said to the prodigal: if I have been the aim of your expences, I am -sorry for it: but what you have done for my sake, you would have done, -had I been out of the question. You have lavished away one part of your -estate to obtain a wife; you would spend the other to avoid the trouble -of management. I advise you never to think of it. - -She told the merchant, soldier and scholar, I am sensible, you have -shown a great regard for me: but I think too you have shown no less, you -for riches, you for glory, and you for learning. In trying to fix my -inclination, each has followed his own; each would do as much for -himself as for me. Should I chuse one of you, his views would still rest -upon other objects; one would be busied with increasing his fortune, the -other with his promotion in the army, and the third with his progress in -the sciences. I cannot therefore satisfy any one of you: and my desire -is to ingross the heart of the man who ingrosses mine. - -The same day, she saw the solitary gentleman. You have long waited for -it (said she to him) and I am at last going to declare my mind. You know -what your rivals have done to obtain my consent: see what they were and -what they are. For your part, such as you was, such you remain. I think, -I see the reason. Indifferent to all other things, you have but one -passion, and I am its object. I alone can render you happy. Well then! -my happiness shall be in creating yours. I will share the delights of -your solitude, and will endeavour to increase them. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XIII. - THE TALENTS. - - -I returned to my first object, and, after a long search, I perceived on -the mirrour a spot of land which seemed wrapped in a cloud. There issued -from thence a confused noise like the murmurs of an ebbing tide. The sun -quickly dispersed the vapours, and I saw Babylon. - -I saw there spectacles wherein the calamities of past times are -lamented, in order to forget the calamities of the present; I saw -Academies where they should examine and discuss, but where they dispute -and quarrel; Temples that are built against the restoration of religion; -Orators, who foretell to the seduced people the most terrible disasters, -and Hearers who measure the expressions and criticize the style; a -Palace wherein are placed Magistrates for the security of your property, -and where you are conducted by Guides who fleece you. - -I cast my eyes on the publick walks and gardens, ever open to idleness, -coquetry and recreation. I beheld sitting alone on the grass a person -who, with a smile, was penning down his ideas. I fixed the paper, and -read what follows: - -“One day Jupiter proclaimed through the whole earth, that he had -resolved to distribute different talents to the different nations; that -on such a day the distribution would be made at Olympus; and that the -geniuses of the several nations should repair thither. - -“The Genius of Babylon stayed not till the day appointed, but came the -first of all to Jupiter’s palace. He made his appearance with that air -of confidence which is natural to him; he uttered I know not how many -very handsome and well-turned compliments, and made presents to all the -celestial court with a grace peculiar to him. - -“He gave the Father of the gods a quintal of wild-fire of a late -invention, that his thunder may be more effectual and people begin to -have faith: to Apollo a Babylonian grammar, that he may reform the -oddities of the language: to Minerva a collection of Romances, that she -may correct their licentiousness and teach the Romancers to write -decently: to Venus two small _votive_ pictures, to thank her for that -the last year there were at Babylon but two hundred thousand inhabitants -who bore the long and painful marks of her favours. - -“He made his court to the Gods, wheedled the Goddesses, said and did so -many handsome and pleasant things, that nothing was talked of at -Jupiter’s court but the agreeableness of the Genius of Babylon. - -“Mean while, the day appointed was come: and Jupiter, having advised -with his council, made the distribution of the different talents to the -Geniuses of the several nations. To this he assigned the gift of -Philosophy: to that, the gift of Legislation; and to another the gift of -Eloquence. He said to one, Be Thou the most ingenious; to another, Be -Thou the most learned, and Thou, the most frugal; and Thou, the most -warlike; and Thou, the most politick: and Be Thou (said he, speaking to -the Genius of Babylon) whatever thou chusest to be. - -“Delighted with his success, and returning home, the Genius of Babylon -is at all. He framed I know not how many schemes, and executed none. He -made most excellent laws, and afterwards embroiled them with numberless -explanations and comments. - -“He would likewise turn Theologist, and engaged in disputes which proved -fatal to him. - -“He traded, gained much, enlarged his expences, and became richer and -less easy. - -“Orator, Poet, Merchant, Philosopher, he was every thing; and in many -things he attained to perfection, but never could keep his ground.” - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XIV. - THE TASTE OF THE AGE. - - -Two men of letters were walking at a little distance. “Will you not own -(said one of them) that, two centuries ago, our learning was in its -infancy; and hardly showed to what degree it might arrive. In the last -century, it took root and rose so high that nothing was seen above it. -The greatest masters among the Greeks and Latins were taken for -patterns: they were equalled, if not surpassed. - -“Success inspires confidence; and too much confidence breeds neglect. To -have the eye always on the Antients grew distasteful. They have had -their merit (said the Babylonians) and we have ours: who can say we do -not equal them? They therefore set up for themselves: and the taste, not -the more general and of all the nations, but the taste peculiar to them -characterized their works. See almost all our poems, our histories, our -speeches, our books, all is after the Babylonian mode; much of art, -little of nature; a vast superficies, no depth; all is florid, light, -lively, sparkling; all is pretty, nothing is fine. Methinks I foresee -the judgment of posterity: they will consider the works of the -seventeenth century as the greatest efforts of the nation towards the -excellent; and the works of the eighteenth, as pictures wherein the -Babylonians have taken pleasure to paint themselves. - -“If our writers are capable to go back and resume their great patterns, -it is known what they can do; they are sure to please all the world, and -for ever: but, if they continue to stand on their own bottom, their -works will be only trinkets of fancy, on which the present taste stamps -a value, and which another taste will soon bury in oblivion.” - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XV. - THE FEMALE REASONER. - - -I saw two women apart, one of which was talking: she looked round her -every moment with that air of uneasiness which expresses a confidence -the most mysterious. I lent my ear; and with great difficulty I heard -what follows: - -“I am obliged to thee, my dear Countess, for the idea thou hast -conceived of my prudence. Hearken; I will hide nothing from thee; thou -shalt see how far I may be relied on. We women are forced to guess -things, they will never be told us plainly: but, with a little -attention, it is easy for us to see how matters are. For my part, I have -reflected on the maxims of the wise men of our days, and from thence -have drawn these conclusions. It is only the mob that trouble themselves -now about a future state; the rewards and punishments of another world -are words without a meaning; which have long been discarded by people of -fashion. Beasts and men (of beasts the chief) are made to be guided by -the senses; they should be actuated solely by the passions. Let each -attentively listen to what is inspired into him by nature, and let him -follow her inspirations; that is the way to happiness. On the other -hand, society cannot subsist without laws, and laws cannot be -accommodated to the passions of every citizen. They therefore who have -placed their happiness in what is forbidden by law, cannot behave too -circumspectly. They must always walk in the shade; mystery should follow -their steps, and cast a veil on all their proceedings: in a word, they -may do what they will, provided they appear to do what they ought. -These, my dear Countess, are the maxims I have gathered from the -Philosophy of the time. I will not mention their influence on my -conduct. Perhaps I really am what I appear to be: but I should be quite -otherwise, that I might appear always such.” - -O Babylon! (said I to myself) the leven has fermented the whole mass. -Thou appearest very corrupt; but thou art still more corrupt than thou -appearest. - - - - - CHAP. XVI. - THE CROCODILES. - - -During the course of my travels, I saw in Persia, on the plains watered -by the Tedjen, a dispute arise which divided the country and bred a -surprising animosity in the people. I was curious to see how that matter -stood: I placed the mirrour in the proper position, and then put the end -of the rod upon the globe, so as I could see and hear what was doing. - -The plain was covered with two numerous armies; which were just going to -join battle. The ground of the quarrel was this: - -A pious and learned Musulman, who used to read the Alcoran with the zeal -of an archangel and the penetration of a seraphim, took it in his head -one day to ask whether the dove, that instructed Mahomet, spoke Hebrew -or Arabic. Some said one thing, some another; and two parties were -formed. They disputed, they wrote at large pro and con, and could not -agree. To the warmth of the contest were added bitterness, malignity its -inseparable companion, and policy, which endeavours to make an advantage -of every thing. One party persecuted the other, or was persecuted, -according as they were or were not uppermost. They began with the -forfeiture of estates and banishments; and ended in an open war. The -sectaries had caballed so well, that the people rose in arms against one -another. - -The two armies were just going to ingage, when a venerable old man -advanced, and convening the heads, made the following speech: - -“Hearken, O ye people of Chorasan. There was in Egypt a famous city -called Ombi; it was near another great city named Tentyris: both were -situated on the fertile banks of the Nile[2]. In that part, the river -bred a great number of Crocodiles; and these voracious animals so -fiercely attacked these two cities, that the inhabitants were going to -remove. The governours of Tentyris were apprehensive that their -authority would vanish, and the citizens would come to be dispersed. -They assembled therefore the Tentyrites and said: - -“_You suffer the destructive animals to increase and multiply in peace. -Hear what we have to declare to you in the name of the Nile your -foster-father and your God. Woe be unto you, if you remain any longer in -this state of indolence! Arm without delay, and wage war against the -monsters that devour your wives and children._ - -“It was the injunction of the Nile, and not to be disputed. The -Tentyrites took up arms, but it was with great disadvantage, and never -was advice more imprudent. The Crocodiles, invulnerable in almost all -the parts of their bodies, killed many more men than the men killed -monsters. The governours of Ombi used a different artifice to keep the -Ombites from leaving their city. - -“_Hearken_, (said they to them) _the God_ Nile _speaks to you by our -mouth: I create plenty among the Ombites, I inrich their lands, I fatten -their flocks; my waters flow and they grow rich. The Crocodile is my -servant, and I permit him now and then to feed upon some of them; this -is the only tribute I require for all my benefits: and, instead of -rejoicing at having it in their power by a single act to render -themselves agreeable to me, they destroy one another, if my servant -seizes a few children. Let them cease to complain, or I will cease to -feed them; I will with-hold my waters and all shall perish._ - -“The moment the Ombites knew the Crocodile to be the favourite of the -Nile, they erected altars to him; and, far from complaining when he was -pleased to feed on their children, they gloried in it. _Is there a woman -more happy than I?_ (said an Ombite) _I enjoy a competent fortune, have -a loving husband, and three of my children have been eaten by the -servant of our God Nile._ - -“In the mean time, the favourite of the Nile was killed by the -Tentyrites and worshipped by the Ombites. Discord and animosity inflamed -them against one another; they went to war, which ended in the -destruction of both. Thus perished two cities, dupes of their sincerity, -devoured by the Crocodile, and butchered by each other. Let this example -open your eyes, O ye unfortunate inhabitants of this happy climate. -Cease to be victims of an irregular zeal: worship God, keep silence, and -live in peace.” - -Scarce had the old man done speaking, when a general murmur and menacing -looks showed him how little he had moved the assembly, so he withdrew -with a sigh. Immediately the battle was joined; and I turned away my -eyes that I might not behold these mad people destroy one another. - -I have a great deal more to show you, (says the Prefect) let us lay down -the mirrour and rod, and walk on. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XVII. - THE STORM. - - -Some paces from the noisy globe, the earth is hollowed, and there -appears a descent of forty or fifty steps of turf; at the foot of which -there is a beaten subterraneous path. We went in; and my guide, after -leading me through several dark turnings, brought me at last to the -light again. - -He conducted me into a hall of a middling size, and not much adorned, -where I was struck with a sight that raised my astonishment. I saw, out -of a window, a sea which seemed to me to be about a quarter of a mile -distant. The air, full of clouds, transmitted only that pale light which -forebodes a storm: the raging sea ran mountains high, and the shore was -whitened with the foam of the billows which broke on the beach. - -By what miracle (said I to myself) has the air, serene a moment ago, -been so suddenly obscured? By what miracle do I see the ocean in the -center of Africa? Upon saying these words, I hastily ran to convince my -eyes of so improbable a thing. But in trying to put my head out of the -window, I knocked it against something that felt like a wall. Stunned -with the blow, and still more with so many mysteries, I drew back a few -paces. - -Thy hurry (said the Prefect) occasions thy mistake. That window, that -vast horizon, those thick clouds, that raging sea, are all but a -picture. - -From one astonishment I fell into another: I drew near with fresh haste; -my eyes were still deceived, and my hand could hardly convince me that a -picture should have caused such an illusion. - -The elementary spirits (continued the Prefect) are not so able painters -as naturalists; thou shalt judge by their way of working. Thou knowest -that the rays of light, reflected from different bodies, make a picture -and paint the bodies upon all polished surfaces, on the retina of the -eye, for instance, on water, on glass. The elementary spirits have -studied to fix these transient images: they have composed a most subtile -matter, very viscous, and proper to harden and dry, by the help of which -a picture is made in the twinkle of an eye. They do over with this -matter a piece of canvas, and hold it before the objects they have a -mind to paint. The first effect of the canvas is that of a mirrour; -there are seen upon it all the bodies far and near, whose image the -light can transmit. But what the glass cannot do, the canvas, by means -of the viscous matter, retains the images. The mirrour shows the objects -exactly, but keeps none; our canvases show them with the same exactness, -and retains them all. This impression of the images is made the first -instant they are received on the canvas, which is immediately carried -away into some dark place; an hour after, the subtile matter dries, and -you have a picture so much the more valuable, as it cannot be imitated -by art nor damaged by time. We take, in their purest source, in the -luminous bodies, the colours which painters extract from different -materials, and which time never fails to alter. The justness of the -design, the truth of the expression, the gradation of the shades, the -stronger or weaker strokes, the rules of perspective, all these we leave -to nature, who, with a sure and never-erring hand, draws upon our -canvases images which deceive the eye and make reason to doubt, whether, -what are called real objects, are not phantoms which impose upon the -sight, the hearing, the feeling, and all the senses at once. - -The Prefect then entered into some physical discussions, first, on the -nature of the glutinous substance which intercepted and retained the -rays; secondly, upon the difficulties of preparing and using it; -thirdly, upon the struggle between the rays of light and the dried -substance; three problems, which I propose to the naturalists of our -days, and leave to their sagacity. - -Mean while, I could not take off my eyes from the picture. A sensible -spectator, who from the shore beholds a tempestuous sea, feels not more -lively impressions: such images are equivalent to the things themselves. - -The Prefect interrupted my extasy. I keep you too long (says he) upon -this storm, by which the elementary spirits designed to represent -allegorically the troublesome state of this world, and mankind’s stormy -passage through the same: turn thy eyes, and behold what will feed thy -curiosity and increase thy admiration. - - - - - CHAP. XVIII. - THE GALLERY OR THE FORTUNE OF MANKIND. - - -Scarce had the Prefect said these words; when a folding-door opened on -our right, and let us into an immense Gallery, where my wonder was -turned into amazement. - -On each side, above two hundred windows let in the light to such a -degree, that the eye could hardly bear its splendor. The spaces between -them were painted with that art, I have just been describing. Out of -each window, was seen some part of the territory of the elementary -spirits. In each picture, appeared woods, fields, seas, nations, armies, -whole regions; and all these objects were painted with such truth, that -I was often forced to recollect myself, that I might not fall again into -illusion. I could not tell, every moment, whether what I was viewing out -of a window was not a painting, or what I was looking at in a picture -was not a reality. - -Survey with thy eyes (said the Prefect) survey the most remarkable -events that have shaken the earth and decided the fate of men. Alass! -what remains of all these powerful springs, of all these great exploits? -the most real signs of them are the traces they have left upon our -canvases in forming these pictures[3]. - -The most antient actions, whose lustre has preserved their memory, are -the actions of violence. Nimrod, the mighty hunter, after having worried -the wild beasts, attacks his fellow-creatures. See in the first picture -that gigantic man, the first of those heroes so renowned; see in his -looks pride, ambition, an ardent desire of rule. He framed the first -scheme of a kingdom, and uniting men under the pretence of binding them -together, he enslaved them. - -Belus, Ninus, Semiramis ascend the throne, which they strengthen by -fresh acts of violence! and of above thirty kings who successively -reigned, only one closed the wounds of mankind, let Asia take breath, -and governed like a philosopher: his name is almost forgot. History, -which glows at the sight of renowned and tragical events, languishes -over peaceable reigns: and scarce mentions such sovereigns. - -Sardanapalus ends this series of kings. Enemy to noise, disorder and -war, he mispends his time, shuts himself up in his palace, and sinks -into effeminacy. The women, thou seest about him, neither think nor -exist but for him. His looks give them life, and he receives life from -theirs. What do I say? He seeks himself with astonishment and finds -himself not; a surfeit of pleasures destroys his taste: he does not -live, but languish. - -In the mean time, two of his generals[4] loathing peace, form schemes of -conquests, and feed, themselves with bloody projects. They deem -themselves alone worthy to reign, because they alone breathe war in the -midst of the publick tranquillity. See where they attack and dethrone -their effeminate monarch: and forcing him to destroy himself, they seize -and share his dominions. Thus the Assyrian empire was dismembered, after -having kept Asia in continual alarms above twelve hundred years. - -Kings succeeded both at Nineveh and at Babylon; and all became famous -for wars and ravages[5]. One of them laid Egypt waste, plundered -Palestine, burnt Jerusalem, put out the eyes of a king whose children he -had murdered, drove from their country whole nations and put them in -chains; and, after such expeditions, he ordered altars to be erected to -him, and worship to be paid him as to a beneficent God. See at the foot -of his image, incense burning and nations lying prostrate; and admire -how far the pride and abjection of mortals extend[6]. - -The next picture represents the infancy of Cyrus, and the particular -moment wherein he gave signs of that intolerable haughtiness, considered -by the historians as the first sallies of a greatness of soul, which to -display itself wants only great occasions. Cyrus, both by right of birth -and right of conquest, united Assyria and Media to Persia, and was the -founder of the largest empire that ever existed. - -His successors still think their bounds too narrow: they send into -Greece, which was then signalized in Europe, armies infinitely numerous, -the which are destroyed: and the spirit of conquest had on that occasion -the fate which unhappily it has not always. - -The Greeks, freed from these powerful enemies, turn their arms against -one another: they are animated by jealousy, inflamed by the warm and -dangerous eloquence of their orators, and torn by civil wars. Persia -falls into the same convulsions. And when perhaps every thing was -tending to peace, Alexander appears, and all are embroiled worse than -ever. - -This picture shows him in that tender age wherein he lamented his -father’s conquests, and saw with grief human blood shed by wounds, he -had not made. Scarce was he on the throne when he carried desolation -into Greece, Persia and India. The world did not suffice for his -murdering progress, and his heart was still unsatisfied. That other -picture represents his death. That destructive thunderbolt is at last -extinguished, Alexander expires, and casting his dying eyes on the grand -monarchy he is going to leave, nothing seems to comfort him but the -prospect of the bloody tragedies of which his death is to be the signal. - -Of all Alexander’s dominions, those to whom they belonged of right, had -the least share. The empire was divided among his generals[7]. War was -soon kindled amongst them, continued among their descendants, and ruined -all the countries of which they had the rule. - -Among so many warlike kings, Ptolemy Philadelphus appeared like a lily -raised by chance in a field of thorns. See in that immense library, the -monarch surrounded with old sages, who are giving him an account of the -numberless volumes which are before his eyes. He was too great a lover -of mankind to disturb their tranquillity; and held them in such -estimation, that he collected from all countries the productions of -their wit[8]. These kinds of riches seemed to him alone worthy his care. -He saw them with the same eye that other kings behold those metals which -they search for in the bowels of the earth, or which they fetch from the -extremities of the world through rivulets of blood. - -Whilst discord rages amongst Alexander’s successors and their -descendants; already appeared in the center of Italy the first sparks of -the flame that was to spread over the universe and consume all nations. -Like those bodies of a vast weight, which, not being in their just -position, swing themselves to and fro for some moments, and then fix -themselves immoveably; Rome, subject successively to kings, consuls, -decemvirs, military tribunes, settles a government and begins the -conquest of the world. - -This ambitious nation, direct at first their forces against their -neighbours. In vain did the several Italian states struggle for five -hundred years against the fate of Rome: one while in subjection, another -while in rebellion: now conquerors, now conquered, they were all in the -end forced to submit to the yoke. - -Italy subdued and calmed, that is, reduced to the state of those robust -bodies, which by being exhausted fall into a consumption and weakness, -the Romans cross the seas, and go into Africa in search of fresh enemies -and other spoils. Carthage as ambitious, perhaps as powerful, but more -unfortunate than her rival, after a long and violent contest, is -overcome and destroyed. Corinth and Numantia share the same fate. - -About this time, Viriatus raised himself in the same manner as the -Romans. In this picture, he is a huntsman; in that, a robber; in the -third, a general of an army; and in the fourth, he mounts the throne of -Lusitania. But he was only a victim crowned by fortune to be sacrificed -to the ambition of the Romans[9]. - -Asia is soon opened to these insatiable conquerors. The empire daily -enlarges, and that enormous power over-runs all the known world. - -The first passion of the Romans was glory. During seven centuries, -patriotism, which policy cherished with so great success, directed the -love of glory in favour of the republic; and the Romans signalized -themselves no less by their attachment to their country, than by their -warlike exploits. This space was filled with a long train of heroes, and -those that followed, despairing to become famous in the same manner, -sought to distinguish themselves by other methods. Rome was mistress of -the world; it appeared glorious to become master of Rome. Sylla, Marius, -and some others, showed that such a project was not impracticable: Cæsar -accomplished it. That boasted conqueror, who was reproached with so many -things, effaced them all by his virtue: by his military virtue which -destroyed above a million of men, oppressed his fellow-citizens, and -enslaved his country. In vain did the republic exert her utmost -endeavours to save her expiring liberty; she was exhausted and stretched -her hands to Augustus, who, from a bad citizen, became the best of -masters. - -Raised to the empire, he put an end to war, and soon gave mankind a -peace the most universal, they had ever enjoyed. The elementary spirits -have given an idea of the pleasure of this general tranquillity, by the -agreeable prospect of the landskips which are here represented. - -This peace.... Pray (says I interrupting the Prefect) suspend a moment -the rapid recital of so many revolutions; give me leave to examine this -picture, and a little time to calm the perturbation of my mind. How I -love to see that beautiful sky; those plains that lose themselves at a -distance; those pastures filled with flocks; those fields covered with -corn? The breath of war blows far from those climates the vertiginous -spirit of heroism. This is indeed the seat of peace and tranquillity. My -imagination carries me to those delightful vallies: I behold and -contemplate nature, whose labours nothing interrupts, producing on every -side life and pleasure. My thoughts are composed and my spirits sedate -amidst the tranquillity that reigns in those places: my blood, grown -cool, flows in my veins with the same gentle motion as the rivulets that -water those green turfs; and the passions now have on my mind only the -effect of the zephyr, which seems to play gently among the branches of -leafy trees. - - - - - CHAP. XIX. - THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GALLERY. - - -The Prefect soon resumed the thread of his discourse. The quickness, -wherewith he ran over the Gallery, hardly gave me time to view the -several pictures he was explaining. I had not seen him before nor did I -afterwards see him speak with so much action. His face was inflamed, his -eyes darted fire, and his words were too slow for his eagerness. - -The language, the manners, the laws of the Romans (said he) were spread -over the world. The nations, conquered and settled, became members of -the empire; and all the known world made but one family. By what -fatality was Augustus’s peace, which seemed so unalterable, of so short -a duration? Mankind only breathed, and were soon inflicted with new -wounds. When Rome had no more kingdoms to subdue, she had rebels to -reduce. Several nations, thinking it a great happiness or a great glory -to be parted from the body of the empire, rebelled in Europe, in Asia, -in Africa: all were repressed. Thus most of the nations, formerly -attacked and defeated, now the aggressors and reduced, continued to be -hurled from one misfortune to another; and the following pictures, those -which represent the more celebrated times of the first Emperors, will -still go on to present to thee spectacles of blood. The three reigns of -Titus, Antoninus, and Marcus Aurelius, were three fine Days in a severe -Winter. - -Those times, nevertheless, were times of peace, in comparison of those -that had gone before and those that came after. The empire was like a -body with a good constitution, but which however is attacked with some -disorders, and shews that it is not far from its decline. - -Whilst the Romans, at first to extend, then to support and sometimes to -inrich themselves, kept the world in awe, pulled down what attempted to -rise, and penetrated wherever they were allured by rich spoils; towards -the North, in those frozen climates where nature seems to reach only to -expire, there arose and increased, in the bosom of peace and silence, -nations who were one day to humble the pride of the masters of the -world. Three centuries had not yet passed since Augustus’s peace, when, -in the reign of Valerianus, the deceitful hope of a more commodious and -happy life armed these unpolished people. See where they are coming out -of their huts, tumultuously gathering together, marching in disorder, -and showing the way to the hideous multitudes who followed one another -from age to age. - -These foreign enemies, coming when the empire was rent with internal -rebellions, shook the Colossus. It withstood however, for some time, the -weight which pulled it down, and one while ready to fall, and another -while erect, it seemed sometimes to be going to stand firm again. - -Among the emperors who signalized themselves against the Barbarians, -Probus contributed the most to support the Majesty of the Roman name. -Valiant, but still more humane, he abhorred war and continually waged -it. Dost thou observe, in the picture before thee, that bald old man, -his air of candor, his respectable countenance, the plainness of every -thing about him? It is Probus represented in the moment when, beholding -Rome’s enemies humbled, full of the idea of that general peace he always -desired, he said: “yet a few days and the empire will have no farther -occasion for soldiers.” Words which rendered him worthy of the -veneration of the whole earth, but which caused him to be murdered. Time -passed, the efforts of the Barbarians redoubled, and blood continued to -be shed. - -Mean while, the enemies of Rome grew warlike, and her defenders -degenerated. Of this the chief causes were pride, which increasing -wants, forces the citizen to refer every thing to his private interest; -the folly of most of the emperors, which bred in the people a numbness -which a few years confirm, and which whole ages cannot remove; perhaps -too a weariness of the spirits; for that ambition, that haughtiness, or, -if you please, that Roman grandeur, was in the course of things an -excessive effort, which, like an epidemical distemper come to its -height, must necessarily abate by degrees. - -However this may be, a century and half after their first invasions, the -Barbarians began to make real progresses, and dismember the Western part -of the empire. Amidst the troubles that then existed, some kingdoms were -established which still remain to this day. Just as Earthquakes, which -raising the sea drown whole regions, produce also new Islands amidst the -waves. - -See the Goths, who after traversing sword in hand, part of Asia and all -Europe, are settling in Spain: see the Angles, a people of Germany, who -are passing into Great Britain, and, under pretence of aiding, are -seizing it: see the Franks, other Germans, who are coming to free the -Gauls from the Roman yoke and making them to submit to theirs. In these -unhappy times, Rome herself shares the same fate which she had made so -many cities undergo; she is plundered and sacked at several times[10]. - -But the next pictures present to thee, in a point of view still more -dreadful, regions laid waste, fields bathed in blood, and cities in -ashes. These are the exploits of Attila and his rapid incursions in -Macedonia, Mysia, Thrace, Italy, and almost through the whole world -which he ravaged. So many desolations, proceeding from several -conquerors, would have made so many heroes: coming from a single hand, -they form a terrible monster. It is thus that military virtues show -themselves in their true colours, and become horrible when they meet in -a center[11]. - -During Attila’s ravages, certain Italians flying from his fury, withdraw -to the Adriatic sea-side. Behold in this picture the men pale, the women -dishevelled, and the children in tears. Some hide themselves among the -rocks; others dig themselves subterraneous retreats; some ascend the -hills, and, as far as their eyes can reach, look whither the merciless -conqueror, whose name alone makes them tremble, is still pursuing them -to those desolate places, so little proper for the habitation of men. On -every side thou canst see nothing but destruction and horror: very soon -however proud Venice is going to rise out of these melancholy ruins. - -Shortly after, the last blow is given to the Western empire. Tyrannized -by its rulers, rent by factions, weakened by continual losses, and -pressed by a fatal destiny, it shakes under some emperors, and falls -under Augustulus. Rome and Italy, successively a prey to two Barbarians, -are afterwards united to the Eastern empire, from which by fresh -misfortunes they were soon after detached again. - -Two centuries passed in cruel vicissitudes, when a new scourge, Mahomet, -arose in the East. He was deemed at first but as an impostor worthy of -contempt: but he had an understanding capable of the greatest things, -and a boldness which carried him to the highest enterprizes. It was -known how far he was able to go, when his progress could no longer be -opposed. He over-ran part of the East, and out of the ruins founded the -kingdom of the Khalifs. The nations, he subdued by force of arms, he won -by seduction; and, more fatal still to mankind than all the heroes whose -pernicious actions die with them, he sullied the human species with a -stain which probably will never be effaced[12]. - -In the West, the misfortunes of the Romans are renewed. The Lombards -waste Italy, the Moors settle in Spain, from whence they threaten the -French: new swarms of Barbarians are going to invade the finest -countries of Europe. - -At this time, from the bosom of France arises a Prince full of genius, -and of that military ardor which, in a calm, would have brought on a -storm; but which, finding the tempest formed, like an impetuous wind, -blew it away: this was Charlemain. In this picture, he checks the -Saracens; in that, he subdues Germany; moreover, he destroys in Italy -the power of the Lombards, founds the temporal authority of the Popes, -and receives the crown of the Western empire. - -Charlemain’s empire soon fell to pieces. The partitions of the princes, -and the ambition of some chiefs, detach whole nations from it. Weak or -avaricious emperors give or sell liberty to others. The rest is under -particular lords: the sovereign scarce keeps the title and shadow of -authority. - -Dost thou observe that battle? seest thou a numerous army defeated by -fifteen hundred men? It is the æra of the liberty of the Helvetic body. -Members of the empire, but oppressed by tyrants, the Swiss shake off the -yoke and form a government, the wisdom of which cannot be too much -admired. Their commerce extends but to necessaries: they have soldiers -only for their defence, and these too are trained among other nations: a -constant peace reigns in the republic. Without covetousness, without -jealousy, without ambition, liberty and necessaries content them. They -are a people that talk the least of philosophy, and are the most -philosophical. - -Whilst the new Western empire is rent, the Eastern is destroyed. Thou -seest coming out of Asia the last swarm of Barbarians which were to fall -upon Europe[13]. They advance: and, like huge masses which acquire more -force in proportion to the height they fall from, they crush -Constantinople and seize the Eastern empire, which they still possess to -this day. - -Such is the disastrous contexture of the compendious History of mankind: -the crowd of particulars is only a crowd of less noted calamities. The -total of the nations, especially the European, is like a mass of -quicksilver, which the lightest impression puts in motion, which the -least shake divides and subdivides, and of which chance unites again the -parts in a thousand different manners. Who will find the means to fix -them? - - - THE END OF THE FIRST PART. - - - - - GIPHANTIA: - - PART II. - -[Illustration] - - LONDON, - Printed in the Year MDCCLX. - - - - - TABLE - OF THE - CHAPTERS. - PART II. - - - Page - - CHAP. I. THE REPAST 201 - - CHAP. II. THE KERNELS 212 - - CHAP. III. ANTIENT LOVE 215 - - CHAP. IV. THE GRAFTS 221 - - CHAP. V. VOLUPTAS 228 - - CHAP. VI. PERPETUAL YOUTH 233 - - CHAP. VII. THE ITCHINGS 239 - - CHAP. VIII. THE COMPENSATIONS 249 - - CHAP. IX. NIL ADMIRARI 253 - - CHAP. X. THE FANTASTICAL TREE 259 - - CHAP. XI. THE PREDICTIONS 265 - - CHAP. XII. THE SYSTEM 274 - - CHAP. XIII. EPISTLE TO THE EUROPEANS 292 - - CHAP. XIV. THE MAXIMS 302 - - CHAP. XV. THE THERMOMETERS 306 - - CHAP. XVI. THE LENTILS 312 - - CHAP. XVII. THE SUBTERRANEOUS ROAD 318 - -[Illustration] - - - - - GIPHANTIA. - - PART THE SECOND. - - - - - CHAP. I. - THE REPAST. - - -My zeal has carried me farther than I should have imagined, added the -Prefect; it is time to think of what concerns thee. The air of Giphantia -is lively and full of active corpuscles; it keeps up the spirits; and, -in spite of the fatigues, thou hast endured in the desart, it does not -suffer thee to have the least sense of weariness, However, thou hast -need of a more solid food. I have ordered thee a Repast, and I will -regale thee after the manner of the elementary spirits. - -We went out of the gallery; and the Prefect conducted me to a grotto, of -which the architecture was so strange, that I dare not venture to -describe it. The whole furniture was a marble table and a cane-chair, on -which he bid me sit down. - -Whatever I saw at Giphantia was extraordinary, the Repast to which I was -invited was not less so. Thirty salt-sellers filled with salts of -different colours, were placed on the table in a circle round a fruit, -much like our melons. There was also a glass decanter full of water, -round which other salt-sellers formed another circle. - -These preparations were not very tempting; I never had less appetite. -However, not to affront a host, to whom I was so much obliged, I tasted -the fruit that he offered me. The purest chymical earth purged of all -foreign matter, would have more taste. I forced myself to swallow a few -bits. I drank a glass of water: And I told the Prefect, that my strength -was more than sufficiently recruited, and if he pleased, we would -continue to visit the rarities of Giphantia. - -Thou hast had (said he) the complaisance to taste the fruit and the -liquor, thou wilt farther oblige me to season them both. The salts which -stand round them have, perhaps, more virtue than thou art aware of. I -invite thee to try. - -Upon these words, I viewed the salt-sellers more attentively, I saw that -each had a label; and I read upon those that surrounded the insipid -fruit, salt of woodcock, salt of quail, salt of wild-duck, salt of -trout, _&c._ Upon the others, I read, concrete juice of Rhenish, of -Champagne, of Burgundy, of Usquebaugh, of oil of Venus, of Citron, _&c._ - -Having taken a small slice of the fruit, I spread upon it a grain of one -of those salts; and putting it to my mouth I took it for the wing of an -ortolan. I looked upon the salt-seller from whence I had the salt, and -saw the word _ortolan_ on the label. Astonished at this phænomenon, I -spread upon another slice salt of turbot, and I thought I was eating one -of the finest turbots the channel ever produced. I tried the same -experiment upon the water; according to the salt I dissolved in it, I -drank wine of Beaune, of Nuis, of Chambertin, _&c._ - -My lord, (said I to the Prefect) you have shewn me the columns, the -globe, the mirrour, the pictures; I have admired the mechanism of these -masterpieces, and the wonderful skill of the elementary spirits; but -now, my admiration is turned to desire. Is a mortal allowed to enter -into the physical mysteries of the spirits? May I learn from you, this -invaluable secret of your saline powders. - -Now-a-days more than ever, (added I) men (especially the Babylonians) -seek with eagerness whatever can please the senses; and one of the -things which raises the greatest emulation, is to have a table covered -with exquisite dainties. Their fore-fathers did not look upon a good -cook as a _person divine_. The most simple preparations sufficed for -their food: they thought no wines excelled those of their own country; -and sometimes those good men made a little too free with them. The -modern Babylonians disgusted at this simplicity, and hating hard -drinking, have taken a different method. They are become sober, but of a -sensual and ambitious sobriety, which, by unheard of extracts and -mixtures, perpetually creates new tastes. They search in the smallest -fibres of the animals for the purest substance, and, under the name of -essences, they inclose in a little phial the produce of what would -suffice for the nourishment of the most numerous families. The most -exquisite wines cannot satisfy their palate; they esteem nothing but -what is owing to a violence done to the order of nature’s productions. -They extract the most active spirit of wine, and thereto add all the -spices of India: And, with such liquors, seeds of fire, collected from -all the countries of the world, flow in their veins. - -You see (continued I) that with the secret of your savoury -crystalizations, I should be able to satisfy the nicest palates, and -please the most curious lovers of variety. But what is much more -important, these saline extracts, which are not prepared by the -pernicious arts of the distiller and cook, these extracts, I say, would -not spoil the stomach in pleasing the taste; high health would revive -among us; the primitive constitutions would be restored by degrees; and -mankind would resume a new youthful vigour; in all respects, a man might -be a glutton without danger, and, that is saying a great deal of a vice, -which is become incorrigible. - -I was not refused: In less than half an hour, the Prefect taught me the -whole art; I actually resolve the savours, with the same ease that -Newton did the colours. From all the fruits that go to decay, from all -the plants of no use, from even the herbs of the field, in a word, from -all bodies whatever, I extract all their savoury parts; I analyze these -parts; I reduce them to their primitive particles; and then uniting them -again in all imaginable proportions, I form saline powders, which give -such a taste as is desired. I can inclose in a small snuff-box, -wherewith to make in an instant a complete entertainment, courses, -ragouts, fricassees, deserts, coffee, tea, with all kinds of wine and -other liquors. From a single bit, though ever so insipid, I produce at -pleasure the wing of a partridge, the thigh of a woodcock, the tongue of -a carp, _&c._ From a decanter of water, I draw Tomar, Ai, Muscadine, -Malmsey, Chian wine, Lacryma Christi, and a thousand others. - -My secret should have been publick before now; but all the advantages -accruing from it do not remove a fear, which, as will be seen, is surely -not without foundation. I am apprehensive that certain gentlemen, -incessantly busied to open new channels to convey to them the substance -of the people, may lay their greedy hands upon my salt, and undertake to -distribute it, charged with some light tax. These light taxes are known -always to grow heavier, and end with crushing; much like those -snow-balls, which, rolling down from the top of the mountains, and soon -growing immensely large, root up trees, throw down houses, and destroy -the fields. Let these gentlemen give in our newspapers, a positive -assurance that they will never meddle with the management of my savours; -the next day, I will publish my secret, distribute my powders, and -regale all Babylon. - -I think I know the world: these gentlemen, you will see, will keep -silence, and I my salt, and so nobody will be regaled. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. II. - THE KERNELS. - - -My dinner ended and my lesson learnt, we sate out again. Let us (said -the Prefect) take the benefit of this long shady walk, and go to the -grove at the end of it. By the way, I will explain some matters relating -to what I am going to show thee. - -Adam had just been driven out of Paradise, (continued the Prefect:) The -tree, from which the fatal apple was gathered, disappeared: Innocence, -everlasting peace, unmixt pleasure vanished; and death covered the earth -with her mournful vail. Witnesses of Adam’s sin and punishment, the -elementary spirits remained in a consternation mixt with astonishment -and fear. All was silent, like the dreadful calm, which, in a gloomy -night, succeeds the flashes of lightening. - -One of our spirits perceiving on the ground the remains of the fatal -apple, hastily took them up, and found three Kernels: these were so many -treasures. - -The forbidden tree, which was the cause of Man’s misery, was to have -been the cause of his happiness. It contained the shoots of the -sciences, arts, and pleasures. The little, men know of these things, is -nothing in comparison of what this mysterious tree would have disclosed -in their favour. It was to vegetate, blossom, and bear seed for ever; -and the least of these seeds would have been the source of more delights -than ever existed among the children of men. - -We took great care of the three Kernels, which had escaped the total -ruin just then befallen mankind; this was not sufficient to repair their -unhappy fate, but it helped to soften it. As soon as we were returned to -Giphantia, we consulted upon what we could do in favour of mankind so -terribly fallen. Most of the spirits took the office of governing the -elements, and, as far as lay in their power, of directing their motions, -according to the wants of men. Those that remained at Giphantia, were -entrusted with the sowing of the three Kernels, and carefully to mind -what they produced. - - - - - CHAP. III. - ANTIENT LOVE. - - -As we were talking we entered into a pretty large grove, in the midst of -which, I perceived a star formed by most beautiful shrubs. From every -part of these shrubs there darted forth a luminous matter, whereon were -painted all the colours of the rain-bow. Thus the sun, viewed through -the boughs of a thick tree, seems crowned with sparkling rays, on which -shine the liveliest and most variegated colours. - -The first Kernel taken from the fatal apple and committed to the ground, -(said the Prefect of Giphantia) produced a shrub of the nature of those -thou seest. Its leaves were like those of the myrtle. Its purple -blossoms, speckled with white, were raised round their stalks in form of -pyramids. Its boughs were thick and interwoven with one another in a -thousand different ways. It was the most beautiful tree, nature had ever -produced, therefore it was her most favorite object. A soft zephyr, -gently moving its leaves, seemed to animate them; and never were they -ruffled by the impetuous north winds; never was the course of its sap -obstructed by winter’s frost, or its moisture exhausted by summer’s -scorching heats; an eternal spring reigned around it. This singular -tree, was the Tree of Love. - -It is well known what influence the extraneous particles of the air have -upon us. Some accelerate or retard the motions of the blood, others dull -or raise the spirits, sometimes they brighten the imagination, and -sometimes they cloud it with the gloomy vapours of melancholy. Those -that were exhaled from the tree of Love, and dispersed over the earth, -brought the seeds of the most alluring pleasure. Till then, men, left to -a blind instinct, which inclined them to propagate their species, shared -that advantage (if it is one) with the rest of the animals. But, like a -flower which opens to the first rays of the sun, their hearts soon -yielded to the first impressions of love, and instinct gave place to -sentiment. - -With that passion they received a new life; the face of nature seemed -changed; every thing became ingaging; every thing touched them. - -The other passions disappeared, or were, in respect of this, like brooks -to a river in which they are going to be lost. - -Superior to all events, love heightened pleasure, asswaged pain, and -gave a charm to things the most indifferent. It enlivened the graces of -youth, alleviated the infirmities of age, and lasted as long as life. - -Its power was not confined to the creating a tender and unchangeable -attachment to the object beloved; it inspired also a certain sentiment -of sweetness, which was infused into all men, and united them together. -Society was then as an endless chain, each link was composed of two -hearts joined by love. - -The pleasure of others was a torment to none: Gloomy jealousy had not -possessed the human heart, nor envy shed her venom there. Concord -multiplied pleasures: A man was not more pleased with his own, than with -the happiness of others. - -Mankind was yet in infancy, and unacquainted with excesses. Adversity -did not depress them to annihilation, nor prosperity puff them up to the -loss of their senses. Their wants were few, the arts had not increased -them. Frightful poverty appeared not among them, because they knew not -riches; every one had necessaries, because none had superfluities. Utter -strangers to the ridiculousness of rank, they were not exalted with -insolence, nor did they servilely cringe; no man was low, because no man -was high. All was in order, and men were as happy as their state would -admit of. O nature! why dost thou not still enlighten us with those days -of peace, harmony, and love! - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. IV. - THE GRAFTS. - - -The stinging nettle and wild briar increase and are renewed, (continued -the Prefect) the tree of Love had not that privilege. Its blossoms -vanished without leaving a kernel, and its shoots planted in the ground -did not take root; they died and nature groaned. - -Mean while, this only tree was going to decay; its sap withdrew from -most of the branches, and the faded leaves withered on their boughs. - -The elementary spirits were sensible how valuable the treasure was, that -the sons of men were going to lose, and were under the deepest concern -for them. They studied therefore to find the means to fix love upon -earth, and imagined they had succeeded. - -They took from the languishing and exhausted tree, its best shoots and -grafted them upon different stocks. This precaution saved love, but at -the same time, altered its nature. Nourished by an extraneous sap, these -shoots and their emanations quickly degenerated: So the exotic plants -which grow in our gardens by the assiduous care of the gardiner, change -their nature, and lose almost all their virtues. - -Love then existed among men; but what love? It sprung from caprice, was -attached without choice, and vanished with levity: It became such as it -is at this day amongst you. It is no longer that common band which -united mankind, and rendered them happy; it is on the contrary, an -inexhaustible fountain of discord. Formerly, it was stronger alone than -all the passions together; it was subject only to reason: Now, it is -overcome by the weakest passion, and hearkens to any thing but reason. - -To say the truth; it is no longer Love: Phantoms have taken its place, -and receive the homage of men. One in the highest ranks only finds -objects worthy his vows; he thinks it love, it is only ambition. Another -fixes his heart where fortune is lavish of her gifts, he imagines, love -directs him, but it is thirst of riches. Another flies from where -delicateness of sentiments calls for his care and regard, and runs where -an easy object hardly gives him time to desire. What is the ground of -his haste? a depraved appetite for pleasure. Of pure, sincere, and -unmixt love there is none left; the grafts are quite spoiled. - -At Babylon, degenerated love varied with the fashions, the manners, and -every thing else. At first it gave into the Romantick: This was in the -days of our good Knights Errant. It was all fire, transport, extasy. The -eye of the fair was a sun, the heart of the lover was a volcano, and the -rest of the same stamp. - -In time, it was found, that all this was departing a little from nature; -in order therefore, to make it more natural, love was dressed like a -shepherd with a flock and pipe; and spoke the language of a swain. In -the heart of his noisy and tumultuous city, a Babylonian sung the -refreshing coolness of the groves, invited his mistress to drive her -flock thither, and offered to guard it against the wolves. - -The pastoral language being drained, the sentiment was refined, and the -heart analysed. Never had love appeared so subtilised. To make a -tolerable compliment to a girl beloved, a man must have been a pretty -good metaphysician. - -The Babylonians, weary of thinking so deeply, from the height of these -sublime metaphysicks fell into free speeches, double-meanings, and -wanton stories. Their behaviour was agreeable to their talk; and love, -after having been a valiant knight-errant, a whining shepherd and a -sublime metaphysician, is at last grown a libertine. It will soon become -a debauchee, if it is not so already; after which, nothing remains but -to turn religious; and this is what I expect. - -Moreover, the Babylonians flatter themselves with being a people the -most respectful to the ladies, and boast of having it from their -ancestors. In this respect, as in all others, two things must be -distinguished at Babylon, the appearance and the reality. In appearance, -no place where women are more honoured; in reality, no place where they -are less esteemed. Outwardly, nothing but homages, inwardly, nothing but -contempt. It is even a principle at Babylon, that the men cannot have, -in an assembly, too much respect for the sex, nor, in private too -little. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. V. - VOLUPTAS or PLEASURE. - - -We came out of the grove. Men (said I to the Prefect) are highly -indebted to you for preserving love, degenerated as it is. If you did -but know what a void there is among them now-a-days! Their amusements -are so few, that the least of all must be to them very valuable. Love no -longer makes their happiness; but it diverts them at least. What would -the Babylonians do, if love did not put in motion all those walking -statues, which you see so busy about the women? They sigh, they -complain, they request, they press, they obtain, they are happy or -dupes; it is just the same thing: But time passes, and that is enough -for the Babylonians. - -“In the beginning (continued the Prefect) nature, ever attentive to the -welfare of men, begot Voluptas. She was an unadorned native beauty, but -full of those charms which characterises whatever comes out of the hands -of the common parent of all Beings. Nature gave her a golden cup, and -said: Go among men; draw pleasure out of my works; present it without -distinction to all mortals; quench their thirst, but make them not -drunk.” - -Voluptas appeared upon earth. Men flocked together in crowds; all drank -largely of her cup; all quenched their thirst, none were intoxicated. -Voluptas made herself desired, presented herself seasonably, and was -always received with joy. As she offered herself with restriction, she -was always cherished and never cloyed. Men, not being enervated by -excess, preserved to a very advanced age, all their organs in vigor; -their taste remained; and old age still drank of Voluptas’s cup. - -Nature has a rival, called Art, who, incessantly employed in rendering -himself useful or agreeable to society, strives to supply what nature -cannot or will not do for men. He resumes nature’s works, retouches -them, sometimes embellishes, often disguises and degrades them. - -Art failed not to observe the conduct of Voluptas, and to refine -whatever she offered to mankind. He could not bear an interval between -pleasures, and would have them succeed one another without intermission. -He ransacked all the countries of the world, united all the objects of -sensuality, and multiplied a thousand ways the pleasures of sense. Men, -surrounded with so many alluring objects, thought themselves happy, and -in their intoxication, said: _Without Art, Nature is nothing_. But very -soon their senses were cloyed; satiety bred disgust, and disgust made -them indifferent to all kinds of pleasure. Neither Art nor Nature could -affect them to any degree. From that time, they have hardly been able to -amuse or divert themselves. Voluptas has no longer any charms for them. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. VI. - PERPETUAL YOUTH. - - -There is no place (continued the Prefect) where these dissipations, -supposed to supply the room of pure pleasure, are more necessary than at -Babylon; so there is no place where they are more frequent. - -The Babylonians are known not to be made for much thinking, and, for -good reason, it is not desired they should think. A wise policy has -always proposed to keep as many employed as possible, and to amuse the -rest. - -For these last it is, that the arts of amusement are incouraged, that -publick walks are kept up at a great charge, that spectacles of all -kinds are exhibited, and so many places tolerated, where gaming, -drinking, and licentiousness serve for food to these heedless men, who, -without these avocations, would not fail to disturb the society. - -These various avocations fill up the moments of life to such a degree, -that there is no time for recollection, and for counting the years that -insensibly fly away. A man declines, decays, is bent under the load of -years, and he has not once thought of it. - -Rather let us say, there is no old-age at Babylon, for men of this kind: -A perpetual Youth runs through their life; the same agitations in the -heart, the same dullness in the soul, and the same void in the mind. -Youths of twenty-five and of sixty, march with an equal pace to the same -end. The desires, eagernesses, sallies, excesses are the same. All -forgetful of themselves, still go on; and death alone is capable to stop -the career of these decrepid youths. - -It is remarkable, that one day, one of those young old men, bethought -himself to make reflections. “When a man (said he) is come, like me, to -a certain age, he does not fully live, he dies by degrees, and he ought -successively to renounce whatever does not suit his state. There are -things that become nobody, which however are connived at in youth; but -which make an old man ridiculous. What business have I now with this -costly furniture, these splendid equipages, with this table served with -so much profusion? Am I excusable for keeping a mistress, whose -luxuriousness will not fail to ruin me in the end? does it become me to -appear still in those places, where licentiousness carries inconsiderate -youth? I will forsake a world for which I am no longer fit, and will -embrace that peaceful and retired life to which my declining age invites -me. What I shall retrench from my expences, I will give to my nephew, -who is coming; into the world, and should set out with some figure. -Since I am dying by degrees, so by degrees he ought to inherit.” - -This resolution being taken and well taken, a friend of his comes to -visit him, sees him thoughtful, asks the reason and learns his design. -“What, (says he to him) have you not still spirit enough to withstand -reason? She knocks, and it is going to be opened! what do you mean? -Reason may be of use to a young man, to curb the fury of his passions; -but must be fatal to an old one, in totally extinguishing the little -relish he has left for pleasures. What a fine sight will it be, to see -Plutarch’s morals, Nicole’s essays, and Pascal’s thoughts lodged in thy -brain, close by Bocace’s novels, La Fontaine’s tales, and Rousseau’s -epigrams! Believe me: Reason is good only for those, who have cultivated -it long ago; heads made like ours cannot suit it. Our maxims and -reason’s are too contradictory; and instead of regulating, it would -throw all into disorder and confusion.” - -“But (replied our new convert) dost thou know what thou art doing with -thy extraordinary eloquence? never was so much reason used to prove, -that we must act against reason. Come, let us go, my dear marquis, a -free supper waits us at the ... where the nymph, thou knowest, will -compleat my conviction: From thence we will go to the ball. Tomorrow, -champagne at your cousin the countess’s, and lansquenet, at our friend -the President’s.” - - - - - CHAP. VII. - THE ITCHINGS. - - -We walked toward the south. On this side, Giphantia ends in a point, and -forms a little promontory, from whence there is a large prospect. This -promontory is covered all over with a plant, whose boughs descend and -creep every way. This is the production of the second Kernel. The plant -never bears either leaves or blossoms, or fruit: It is formed by an -infinite number of very thin small fibres, which branch out of one -another. - -View carefully the fibres (says the Prefect to me.) Dost thou see at -their extremity, little longish bodies, which move so briskly? They are -small maggots, which this plant breeds; whether vegetation, carried -beyond its usual bounds, produces them; or whether there comes at the -extremity of the fibres, a sort of corruption, by which they are -engendered. In time, these maggots waste away so as to become invisible: -But withal they get wings, and growing flies, they disperse themselves -over the earth. There, they stick fast to men, and cease not to infest -them with a sting given them by nature. And as the tarantula, with the -poison which she leaves in the wound she has made, inspires an -immoderate desire to leap and dance, just so these small insects cause, -according to their different kinds, different Itchings. Such are the -itch of talking, the itch of writing, the itch of knowing, the itch of -shining, the itch of being known, with a hundred others. Hence, all the -motions, men put themselves into, all the efforts they make, all the -passions that stir them. - -The sensation they feel on these occasions, is so manifestly such as we -are describing, that when any one is seen in an uncommon agitation of -body or mind, it is very usual to say, _What fly stings? what maggot -bites?_ Though nothing can be seen, it is perceived that the cause of so -many motions is a stinging: A man often finds it by experience, and -knows what it is owing to. - -When once men are troubled with these restless prickings, they cannot be -quiet. He, for instance, that is stung with the itch of talking, is -continually discoursing with every body, correcting those that do not -need it, informing those that know more than himself. His visage opens, -lengthens, and shortens at pleasure: He laughs with those that laugh, -weeps with those that weep, without sharing the joy of the one, or the -grief of the other. If by chance he gives you room to say any thing, -speak fast and stop not; for, in an instant, he would begin again, and -take care not to be interrupted. Never does he lend an ear to any one; -and even when he seems to hold his tongue, he is still muttering to -himself. He despises nothing so much as those silent animals, who hear -little and speak still less; and he thinks no men more worthy of envy -than those, who have the talent of drawing a circle of admirers, of -raising the voice in the midst of them, and of saying nothings -incessantly applauded. - -Sometimes the itch of talking is turned into the itch of writing; which -comes to the same thing; for writing, is talking to the whole world. -Then those torrents of words, which flow from the mouth, change their -course and flow from the pen ... what numbers of bablers in these silent -libraries! Oh how must those who have ears, and run over these immense -collections, be stunned with what they hear! They are like great fairs, -where each author cries up his wares to the utmost of his power, and -spares nothing to promote the sale. Come (says an Antient) come and -learn of me to practice virtue and become happy; come and draw from -these pure fountains, whose streams are polluted by the corruption of -men.... Come rather to me (cries a Modern) time and observation have -opened our eyes; we see things, and only want to show them to you.... -Mind them not (says a Romancer) seek not truth there; truth still lies -in the bottom of Democritus’s well. Come therefore to me for amusement, -and I will help you to it. Come and read the life and exploits of the -duke of * * * *, the model of the court; he never attacked a girl -without debauching her; he has embroiled above fifty families, and -thrown whole towns into confusion: He must, it is plain, be one of the -most accomplished men of the age.... I have things to offer you, much -more interesting than all this, (says a Versifier) I have the prettiest -odes and finest songs in the world, little soft verses, nosegays for -Iris, and a complete collection of all the riddles and symbolical -letters, which for these ten years have puzzled the sagacity of the -strongest heads in Babylon.... Away with those trifles (says a Tragic -Poet) and come to me: I manage the passions as I please: I will force -tears from your eyes, transport you out of your senses, and make your -hair stand an end.... That is very kind indeed, (says a Comic Poet) but -I believe, it will be better to come to me, who will make you laugh at -all others and even at yourselves. I pity you all, (says a Man-hater) -burn me all those books there and mine too; and let there be no mention -of learning, arts, sciences, and the like wretched things; for it is I -that tell you, as long as you have any reason, you shall have neither -wisdom, nor conduct, nor happiness. - -I say nothing of the itch of knowledge, which should always precede that -of writing, and which commonly follows it at a good distance, and often -never comes at all. - -At Babylon, the itch of being singular, is like an epidemical disease. -It is pretty well known wherein the Babylonians are alike, but it would -be the work of an age, to say wherein they differ. Every one -distinguishes himself by some remarkable stroke. Hence comes the mode of -portraits, and the facility of drawing them. Draw them by fancy, you are -sure they will meet with a likeness; draw them after nature, you will -never fail of originals. There are some for the pulpit, for the use of -the orators who want grace, there are some for the theatre, for the use -of poets who want genius, there are some for writings of all kinds, for -the use of the authors who want ideas. - -The most troublesome of all the itches produced by these insects, is the -itch of being known. Thou canst not conceive, what efforts are made by -all the men stung with this itch. I say all the men; for, who has not a -view to reputation and fame? The Artisan shows his work, the Gamester -his calculations, the Poet his images, the Orator his grand strokes, the -Scholar his discoveries, the General his campaigns, the Minister his -schemes. And even he that sees the nothingness of this chimæra, still -contemplates its charms, and sighs after it: Just so a lover, with a -troubled heart, strives to abandon a faithless mistress, from whom he -cannot bear to part. What designs, what efforts of imagination to make -one’s self talked of! how many things attempted and dropt! what hopes, -fears, cares, and follies of every kind! - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. VIII. - COMPENSATIONS. - - -What you tell me (says I) is very extraordinary. But I cannot see why -the elementary spirits raise and cultivate this plant with so great -care. They who wish us so much good, in this respect do us very little. -To behold men, stung to the quick, acting like madmen, losing their -senses for chimeras, is a thing, in my opinion, deserving pity; but -perhaps it may be an amusement to the elementary spirits. - -Like many others (replied the Prefect) thou judgest and seest things but -in one view. The itches have their inconveniences; but that is nothing -in comparison of their advantages. Without the itch of talking and -writing, would eloquence be known? Would the sciences have been -transmitted and improved from generation to generation? Would not you be -like so many untaught children, without ideas, without knowledge, -without principles? Was it not for the itch of being known, who would -take the pains to amuse you, to instruct you, to be useful to you by the -most interesting discoveries? Without the itch of ruling, who would busy -themselves in unravelling the chaos of the laws, in hearing and judging -your quarrels, in watching for your safety? Without the itch of shining, -in what kingdom would policy find a vent for those respectable -knick-knacks wherewith she adorns those she is pleased to distinguish? -And yet, this kind of nothings are, for the good of the state, to be -acquired at the price even of blood. Thanks to our flies, there are some -mad enough to sacrifice all for their sake, and others fools enough to -behold them with veneration. - -Take away our insects, and men stand stupidly ranged by one another, -like so many statues; let our insects fly, and these statues receive new -life, and are as busy as bees. One sings, another dances, this reads his -verses and falls into an extasy, that hears him and is tired: The -Chymist is at his furnace, the Speculatist in his study, the Merchant at -sea, the Astronomer discovers a new satellite, the Physician a new -medicine, the soldier a new manœuvre; in fine, the statues are men; and -all this is owing to this plant and our care. - -I beg (said I to the Prefect) we may stand at a distance from this -admirable plant; I dread more than I can express, the neighbourhood of -these volatiles. I rejoice much to see them authors of so many benefits; -but I fear still more, the uneasiness they create. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. IX. - NIL ADMIRARI. - - -Your fearfulness, (says the Prefect) surprises me. Tell me, I pray, what -idea hast thou of what is called grandeur, dignities, and high rank in a -state? - -I am in this world (answered I) like a traveller, who goes on his way -curiously observing the objects, but desiring none, because he is but a -passenger. Moreover, if things are estimated according to the happiness -they procure, I do not think that the highest places should be much -valued; for, I see, they make no man happy, and are a misfortune to -many. - -What of riches? added the Prefect. - -Pleasure (said I) is like a very rare commodity, which, however, every -one would fain purchase. Among those that succeed, the rich buy it very -dear, it comes cheap to the rest: One may as well be among the last as -the first. Of the few pleasures that exist, the lower class enjoy as -large a share as the highest. - -What of wit, genius, talents? says the Prefect. - -One half of the world, replied I, study to amuse the other. The first -class is formed of men of talents; whose brains are wound up by nature -higher than ordinary. They are incessantly striving to please: If they -fail, they waste away with grief; if they succeed, it is never fully, -and a single censure creates them more pain than all the encomiums -together give them pleasure. It is, therefore, better to be of the -second class, I mean among those who are amused by the others. - -As far as I see, said the Prefect, the aspect of the great and their -pomp, of the scholar and his extensive genius, of the rich and his vast -possessions, makes little or no impression on thy mind. - -I confess, replied I, that no man was ever less dazzled with all this -than myself. Wrapt in a certain coolness of sense, I am guarded against -all strong impressions. I behold with the same eye the ignorant who know -nothing, and the learned who know all, except truth; the protector who -plans, though he knows his weakness, and the protected who cringes, -though he perceives his superiority; the peasant that is disgusted with -the simplicity of his diet, and the rich sensual, who with thirty -niceties, can hardly make a dinner; the duchess, loaded with diamonds, -and the shepherdess decked with flowers; vanity, which dwells in the -cottage as well as in the palace, and upholds the low as well as the -high; care, which sits on the throne by the king, or follows the -philosopher in his retirement. All the parts on the stage of this world, -seem to me one no better than another: but I do not desire to act any. I -would observe all and be taken up with nothing. Hence it is, that I -dreaded the neighbourhood of these restless flies.... - -And hence it is precisely, interrupted the Prefect, that thou hadst -nothing to fear from them. Thou admirest nothing; it is sufficient: The -flies can take no hold of thee. The first impression they must make, is -the impression of surprise and admiration; if they make not that, they -miss their aim. But the moment admiration is admitted, a crowd of -passions quickly follow. For, in the object of wonder, great hurt or -great good is expected. Hence Love or Aversion, and all their -attendants; restless Desire which never sleeps; Joy, which embraces and -devours its objects; Melancholy, which, at a distance, and with weeping -eyes, contemplates and calls for what it dreads: Confidence, which walks -with head erect, and often meets a fall; Despair, which is preceded by -fear and followed by madness, and a thousand others. If thou wilt rest -secure from their attacks, cherish thy coolness of sense, and never lose -sight of the grand principle, - - NIL ADMIRARI. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. X. - THE FANTASTICAL TREE. - - -After having walked some time by the side of a rivulet, we came into a -beautiful and spacious meadow. It was enamelled with a thousand sorts of -flowers, whose various colours were, at a distance, blended together and -formed shining carpets, such as art has never woven. The meadow was -bounded by a piece of rock, like a wall; against which grew a tree, like -an espalier. It did not rise above a man’s height, but spread itself to -the right and left, the length of the rock, above three hundred paces. -Its leaves were very thin and very narrow, but in such abundance, that -it was not possible to see the least part, either of the trunk or of the -branches, or of the surface of the rock. - -Thou seest, said the Prefect, the product of the third and last Kernel; -we give it the name of the Fantastical Tree. - -From this precious tree it is, that inventions, discoveries, arts and -sciences take their original; and that by a mechanism, which will -surprise thee. - -Thou knowest that the fibres of the leaves of a tree, are ranged -uniformly on each of them; to see one, is to see all the rest. Here, -this uniformity has no place; each leaf has its fibres ranged in a -particular manner; there are not two alike in the Fantastical Tree. But, -what is most wonderful, the fibres, on each leaf, are ranged with -symmetry, and represent distinctly a thousand sorts of objects; one -while a colonnade, an obelisk, a decoration; another while mechanical -instruments; here, geometrical diagrams, algebraical problems, -astronomical systems; there, physical machines, chymical instruments, -plans of all kinds of works, verse, prose, conversation, history, -romances, songs, and the like. - -These leaves do not fade. When come to perfection they grow by degrees -prodigiously small, and roll themselves up in a thousand folds. In this -state, they are so light, that the wind blows them away; and so small, -that they enter through the pores of the skin. Once admitted into the -blood, they circulate with the humours, and generally stop at the brain, -where they cause a singular malady, the progress of which is thus: - -When one of the leaves is settled in the brain, it is imbibed, dilated, -opened, becomes such as it was on the Fantastical Tree, and presents to -the mind the images wherewith it is covered. During the operation, the -patient appears with his eyes fixed, and a pensive air. He seems to hear -and see what passes about him, but his thoughts are otherways employed. -He walks sometimes at a great rate, and sometimes stands stock-still. He -rubs his forehead, stamps with his foot, and bites his nails. They who -have seen a geometrician upon the solution of a problem, or a naturalist -on the first glimpse of a physical explication, must have observed these -symptoms. - -This violent state proceeds from the efforts of the soul, to discern -what is traced on the leaf; it holds longer or shorter, according as the -leaf takes up more or less time in displaying, and aptly presenting -itself. - -The abatement of the malady appears by light emanations from the brain, -such as some ideas suddenly conceived, some designs hastily thrown upon -paper, some scheme sketched in a hurry. The soul begins to discern the -objects, and contemplate at leisure the Fantastical leaf. - -These last symptoms declare an approaching crisis, which quickly shows -itself in a general evacuation of all that has been transmitted to the -brain. Then verses flow, difficulties are cleared, problems are -resolved, phenomena are explained, dissertations are multiplied, -chapters are heaped upon chapters; and the whole takes the form of a -book, and the patient is cured. Of all the accidents which afflicted -him, there only remains an immoderate affection for the offspring of his -brain, of which he was delivered with so much pain. - - - - - CHAP. XI. - PREDICTIONS. - - -Behold, added the Prefect, showing me the extent of the Fantastical -Tree, behold leaves for a century of designs, of discoveries, and of -writings. Thou mayest examine at thy leisure what, during that space, -will torment above a million of heads. - -I drew near, and attentively viewed a good while the wonderful tree, -especially those branches on which the sciences vegetated; and after -having examined it to the last boughs with all the attention and -exactness I am capable of, I think myself qualified to make here some -Predictions. - -The historical branch has an admirable effect; all the events are -painted like a camayeu[14], as by the hand of the greatest masters. So -many leaves, so many little pictures. What will most surprise, is, that -these pictures, seen in different points of view, represent the same -subject, but represent it very variously: And, according to the manner -of beholding it, the same action appears courageous or rash, zealous or -fanatical, rational or silly, proud or magnanimous. So, according to the -point of view, wherein these leaves present themselves to the brain of -an historian, he will see things in a good or bad light, and will write -accordingly. I would not have such works entitled, _The history of what -passed in such a time_, but rather, _The manner in which such an author -saw what passed_. Moreover this branch is plentifully furnished, and -should be so. As long as there are men, there will be ambition, -traitors, disturbers of the publick peace, merit will be forgotten and -the worthless preferred, virtue will be oppressed, vice will be -triumphant, countries will be ravaged, cities will be sacked, and -thrones will be dyed in blood; and these are the food of history; -excellent school, for youth to learn lessons of humanity, candor, and -sincerity! - -The metaphysical branch is almost equally furnished: But its leaves are -very thin, and their fibres so excessively small, that they are hardly -perceivable. I greatly pity the brains where they will settle. I see but -one way to give them ease: And that is, to treat the most thorny -questions after the modern manner; I mean to supply the want of clear -ideas and deep reflections, by bold and confident assertions, which may -serve to impose. - -The moral branch droops, and receives scarce any sap; its withered -leaves declare an approaching decay; alas! it is dying. The plans on it -are quite effaced. This is too visible from the works that are published -of this kind. The ideas of good and evil are confounded; virtue is so -disguised as hardly to be known, nor is it easy to discern what is to be -called vice. And yet, the whole is not said. There remains many -arguments to be published against the obsolete notion of justice; many -jests to be passed upon those who still talk of probity in the old -fashioned stile; many fresh proofs to demonstrate, that national, -private, and especially personal interest, should be the sole rule of -conduct. At these so fine lessons, the Babylonians will clap their hands -and cry: “In truth, all the world was blind; and men did not see clearly -till this present time.” - -The poetical branch is in a very bad state; there are only a few boughs -left, among others, the dramatic bough, and that so very weak, it can -hardly support itself. There will appear from time to time at Babylon -some tragic poets, but no comic. I suspect the reason. Formerly the -Babylonians were only ridiculous; they were brought upon the stage and -people laughed: Now, they are almost all vicious, but vicious upon -principle; and such objects by no means raise laughter. The manners -begin to be no longer theatrical. - -The panegyrical branch is very considerable, and bends under its load. -There will be panegyricks applicable to a great man from whom some -favour is expected; to an author who having flattered, receives homage -for homage; to another, who is flattered, in order that he may flatter -again. There will be some commercial ones, which will be sold, to one -for his protection, to another for his table, to a third for his money. -There will be also some, and in great plenty for those, who beg them: -But there will be hardly any for those that deserve them the most. - -With good-sense alone, and the simplest notions which a bough of the -philosophical branch furnishes, and which teach to estimate the things -of this life according to their value, there will be formed, among the -people, a number of practical philosophers; whilst, among the men of -letters, all the penetration imaginable, all the knowledge they think -they have, all the wit in the world will form only imperfect -philosophers. They will avoid praises, but so as to attain them by some -round-about way. They will profess the most ardent zeal for all the -citizens, nay, for all men in general; but they will care only for -themselves. They will decide upon the most complicated, the most -obscure, the most important questions, with an astonishing confidence; -but in deciding everything they will clear up nothing. They will wear -outwardly the most reserved modesty; inwardly they will be eaten up by -ambition. Now, shall we call such persons philosophers? It is thus that -we give the name of stars to those meteors, which kindle sometimes in -the upper region of the air, make a blaze, and instantly vanish. - -In general, I thought, I saw upon a great number of leaves, things -entirely contradictory. The century will slide away, and the sentiments -upon the same objects will not be reconciled. According to custom, each -will speak his opinion, and attack the rest. Disputes will arise; and -the most bitter ironies, the strongest invectives, the most cutting -railleries, nothing will be spared to raise the laughter of the crowd, -and the pity of the wise. - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XII. - THE SYSTEM. - - -Of an infinite number of plans of different works, that I saw drawn on -the leaves of the Fantastical Tree, I remember three. In the first, the -point in question is very abstract, but treated in so singular a manner, -that perhaps it will not be disagreeable to give here a slight sketch of -it. - -“When I have examined matter, it has appeared to me, that it could not -think, and I have readily admitted Beings purely spiritual. It is true, -the least ideas of such substances have never been formed. This proves -the sagacity of man does not reach very far: But does it prove there is -nothing beyond? - -“When I have considered the animals, I have not been able to help -thinking them intelligent, and that so much ingenuity was not without -some understanding. They are, therefore, said I, provided with a -spiritual substance. But what! these insects, these worms, these -microscopical animals, who increase without number in the shortest -space, have they each a spiritual, that is to say, an unchangeable, -immortal soul? I do not imagine, any such thought ever entered into a -sound head. - -“Then calling to mind that intelligent Being diffused through the whole -earth, and perhaps farther, that immense spirit of whom some antient -philosophers have talked, under the name of the universal soul; I have -thought that, without multiplying infinitely spiritual substances, that -soul was very proper to supply their place, and alone sufficient to give -life to all the animals. I have therefore embraced the opinion of the -antients, but with one restriction. - -“They were persuaded that every thinking organized Being, is animated by -a particle of the universal soul; That cannot be. If this soul is -capable of perceptions, it is spiritual, and indivisible, and if it is -indivisible, it cannot separate from itself any part to go and animate -any Being whatever. If this spirit informs different bodies, it is -because it operates at the same time in different places; and not -because it sends any where some emanation of its substance. - -“Farther: The antients believed that man, like the animals, derived from -the universal soul all the intelligence he is endowed with; another -mistake. If we consider in man, that hidden principle which carries him -so efficaciously to follow the impressions of sense, though ever so -repugnant to reason, we shall agree, with the antients, that this -principle must be the same with that which animates, rules, and directs -the animals; the pure sensitive nature of the universal soul is visible -in it. But when I perceive in man another agent, which tends to subject -all his actions to the rules of justice; which so often opposes the -senses (though seldom with success) which, even when it succeeds not to -hinder the sin, never fails to sting him with remorse and repentance; I -cannot help thinking, that besides the universal spirit, there is in man -another principle of a superior order: A principle known by the name of -rational soul. It is manifest by the clashing between the passions and -reason, that there are in us two contradictory Beings, which oppose one -another. If I may be allowed to compare things of so different a nature, -I should say that every thing which partakes of the universal soul is -like a spunge soaked in water, and immersed in the sea; and that if, -moreover, the body is endued with a reasonable soul (which is the case -of man) it is like the same spunge soaked in water, but in which a drop -of oil has found its way. - -“In fine, the antients believed, that the universal soul was diffused -every where; but neither can That be. Perhaps it pervades the -terrestrial globe, or, it may be, the whole solar system, or even -farther: But still it is certain, it has its bounds, it is God alone -that fills immensity. - -“But how shall the existence of a thinking Being be admitted, which, -bounded as it is, has however so prodigious an extension? What ideas can -be formed of its capaciousness and its limits? How can it animate so -many bodies physically separated one from the other, and forming so many -individuals? Let us fathom, as far as in us lies, these depths of -obscurity. - -“Since spiritual substances have no solidity, they are penetrable, and -take up no room. From their penetrability it follows, that several -spirits may exist in one and the same space, and that a body may also be -in the same place. From their taking up no room it follows, that they -have neither length, nor breadth, nor depth; that they have no extension -properly so called. But still a spirit is a real Being, a substance: -Though it takes up no room, it is necessarily some-where; and, though it -has no extension properly so called, it has necessarily its bounds. So, -in a metaphysical sense, all spiritual Beings may be said to be more or -less extended, to contain, and to be contained: And then we may return -to our companion of the spunge, penetrated by a drop of oil, impregnated -with water, and immersed in the sea.” - -“On the other hand, by virtue of the laws of combination, the result of -the unions necessarily differs from the substances that are united; and -it does not appear, that the soul and the body should make an exception. -When the spirit and matter are united, think not the spirit the same as -before; it is, in some measure, materialized; think not the matter such -as it was before; it is, in some measure, spiritualized. From this -mixture results a new Being, different from pure spirit, though it -retains its noblest virtue; different from brute matter, though it -partakes of its qualities: It is a particular Being, forming an -individual, and thinking apart; in fine, it is such a Being as you that -are reading, such as I that am writing. Therefore, what perceives in us, -is properly speaking, neither the universal spirit nor the rational -soul, nor organized matter: but a compound of all three. Just as when a -lion roars, it is not the universal soul, that is in a rage; it is the -compound of that soul and the brain of the lion. Hence it comes, that -each animal forms a separate thinking individual, though all the animals -think only by virtue of one and the same spirit, the universal soul. Let -us proceed without losing sight of the faint light which guides us thro’ -these dark paths. - -“We have seen that, to form an animal, there needs only a combination of -organized matter, and the universal soul; and, to form a man, there must -be another union of organized matter, universal spirit, and rational -soul. If the universal spirit was wanting; ever obedient to the dictates -of the rational soul, we should see none but virtuous and spotless men, -such as are no where to be found. If the rational soul was wanting, -abandoned to this instinct of the universal spirit, which always follows -the allurements of sense, we should see none but monsters of vice and -disorder. - -“The rational soul is united to the human body, the instant the motion -essential to life is settled there, it is separated the instant that -motion is destroyed; and, once separated, it is known to return no more, -it departs for-ever; and enters into a state of which there is to be no -end. - -“The universal soul is united and separated in the same circumstances: -But it is not always separated for-ever. Let, in any person, the motion -essential to life, after having totally ceased, come to be renewed, (a -thing which every physician knows to be very possible) and what will be -the consequence? The rational soul, which departed upon the ceasing of -the vital motion, cannot return; but the universal soul, always present, -cannot fail of re-uniting with the organized body set in motion again. -The man is dead, for his soul is separated from his body. He preserves, -however, the air of a living man; because the universal soul is -re-settled in his brain, which it directs tolerably well. - -“Such to you appears a person perfectly recovered from an apoplectic or -lethargic fit, who is but half come to life; his soul is flown; there -remains only the universal spirit. Excess of joy, or of grief, any -sudden opposition may occasion death, and does occasion it, in fact, -oftener than is imagined. Let a fit of jealousy or passion affect you to -a certain degree, your soul, too strongly shocked, quits its habitation -for-ever: And, let your friends say what they please, or say what you -will yourself, you are dead, positively dead. However, you are not -buried: the universal soul acts your part to the deception of the whole -world, and even of yourself. - -“Do not complain therefore, that a relation forgets you, that a friend -forsakes you, that a wife betrays you. Alas! perhaps it is a good while -since you had a wife, or relations, or friends; they are dead; their -images only remain. - -“How many deaths of this kind have I seen at Babylon? Never, for -instance, did contagious distemper make such havock as the late pious -broils. It is true, the Babylonians are so constituted, that their soul -sits very loose; the least shock parts it from the body; this is -confirmed by observation. Call to mind their notorious quarrel about -musick, their rage, their fury: How few heads were untouched? They are -mad, said some reasonable people: But for my part, I knew they were -dead. - -“God rest the soul of the author of the _Petites Lettres a de grands -Philosophes!_ He had long been declining; and at last died some months -ago. Instantly, the universal soul, possessed of his brains, dislodged -some shreds of verses, jumbled them together, and framed that lifeless -comedy, the indecency of which gave offence to all the Babylonians that -remained _alive_. - -“I shall now speak of the signs by which the living may be distinguished -from the dead: And, doubtless, the reader sees already what these signs -may be. To behold wickedness with unconcern; to be unmoved by virtue, to -mind only self-interest; and without remorse, to be carried away with -the torrent of the age, are signs of death. Be assured, no rational soul -inhabits such abandoned machines. What numbers of dead amongst us! you -will say. What numbers of dead amongst us! will I answer. - -“As there are signs which declare that such a particular person, who -thinks himself, and whom you think full of life, is however deprived of -it; so there are signs which show the ravages, these concealed deaths -have made in the world. For instance, there must have been, of late -years, a great mortality among the learned: For, if you observe almost -all the productions of modern literature, you will find only a playing -with words, destructive principles, dangerous assertions, dazzling -hints. Alas! our authors are manifestly but machines, actuated by the -universal soul. - -“And, very lately, have we not had fresh proofs of this mortality? What -is meant by these libels unworthy of the light? These _when’s_? These -_if’s_? These _what-d’ye-calls_? These _wherefore’s_? And I know not how -many more with which we are deluged. Be not persuaded that rational -souls are capable of such excesses. - -“I will conclude with opening a door to new reflections. Suppose a man, -like so many others, vegetates only, and is reduced to the universal -soul, I demand whether the race of such a man is not in the same state. -If so, I pity our posterity. Rational souls were scarce among our -fore-fathers; they are still more so among us; surely there will be none -left among our offspring. All are degenerating, and we are very near the -last stage.” - -[Illustration] - - - - - CHAP. XIII. - LETTER TO THE EUROPEANS. - - -The second of the works, of which I remember to have seen the plan -delineated on the leaves of the Fantastical tree, was digested into the -form of a letter, addressed to all the nations of Europe, the substance -of which is as follows: - -“O ye powerful nations of Europe; nations polished, ingenious, learned, -warlike, made to command the rest; nations the most accomplished upon -earth; the times are come: Your profound schemes for the happiness of -man have prospered: You enjoy it at length, and I congratulate you upon -it. - -“In nature’s infancy, those uncivilised ages wherein men wandering in -the fields, were fed with the products of the earth, a perfect security, -easy pleasure, profound peace, or rather languishing indolence benumbed -all the faculties of the soul. But when the sweets of property had -flattered the human heart; when each had his inclosure and could say, -_This is mine_; then all was in motion. A man had too much of one thing, -and too little of another; he gave the superfluity for what he wanted: -And trade was established. It was at first carried on among neighbours; -then, from country to country; and at last, from one of the quarters of -the world to the other three. From that time, mankind have formed but -one numerous family, whose members are incessantly employed in cheating -one another. The spirit of distrust, finess, and fraud, have displayed -all the springs of the soul; the talents have shown themselves, the arts -have taken birth; and men begin to enjoy the full extent of their -understanding. - -“How well these profound speculatists have conjectured, who have told -us: _Would you have a state flourish? incourage populousness; for real -strength and riches consist in a great number of citizens. To incourage -populousness, enlarge trade more and more, set up manufactures, -introduce arts of every kind; and, to consume superfluities, call in -luxury._ Let the names of those who have opened this admirable way, be -carefully preserved in our kalendar. - -“It is true, by following this method, you have missed your aim, which -was populousness. What fortune soever a man may raise, it is consumed by -the boundless expence of luxury, which always exceeds the revenues: -There is nothing left for the education and settlement of children; and -means must be used to have a small number, or even none at all. Long -races suit only those remote times when your ancestors, plentifully -furnished with necessaries, were so unfortunate as to have no idea of -pageantry. It is no wonder, if people so barbarous as not to know silk, -lace, tea, chocolate, Burgundy, Champagne, should so increase in the -northern regions, as to over-run, like a torrent, all your countries, -should found monarchies, and dictate laws, which are revered to this -day. - -“But what signifies populousness and multitude? Rejoice, O ye fortunate -nations; for you have coffee and snuff, cinnamon and musk, sugar and -furs, tea and china. How happy are you! and how composed should your -minds be! - -“It is true, toils, hunger, thirst, shoals, storms, sooner or later -destroy these insatiable traders, who traverse the seas to bring you -these precious superfluities. But with how many advantages are these -petty inconveniences repaid? The face of Europe is entirely new! even to -your constitutions all is changed. Thousands of quintals of spices, -circulate in your blood, carry fire into your inmost nerves, and give -you a new sort of Being. Neither your health, nor your diseases are like -those of your fore-fathers. Their robust constitution, simplicity of -manners, their native virtues, are they comparable to the advantages you -enjoy? That sensibility of the organs, that delicacy of mind and body, -those universal lights, those vices of all kinds.... What! will it be -said, are vices also to be reckoned among the actual felicities of -Europe? Yes, without doubt: Is it not daily proved, that virtue -heretofore might be useful to the prudent economy of your ancestors, but -that, for enlightened citizens, who no longer walk by the old rules, -vice is absolutely necessary, or rather changes its nature and becomes -virtue. - -“Another advantage that you owe to the depth of your policy and -extensiveness of your trade is, that perpetual occasions offer to show -your courage, and to practice your military virtues. - -“When formerly your countries were under that vast dominion, which -swallowed up all the rest, they sunk into indolence; you had only short -wars and long intervals of peace, every thing languished. But since, out -of the wrecks of that unwieldy empire, a hundred petty states have been -formed, every thing has revived. The Europeans have incessantly -quarrelled and fought for little spots of land; the grand art of heroism -is returned, the art of sacking provinces and shedding blood: And that -balance of power so much talked of, is at last established, which puts -all Europe in arms at the motion of the least of its parts, and by means -of which, a single spark is sufficient to set the whole earth in a -flame. - -“Let us not regret those times so productive of warriors, when country -heroes, each at the head of two or three hundred vassals, continually -harrassed one another. The seeds of dissention, which were grown scarce -in your climates, have been sought in the farthest parts of the earth; -and from the bosom of the two Indias, commerce has brought fresh seeds -of enmity, discord, and war. - -“These fertile sources are not exhausted; there still remain countries -to be discovered. O ye indefatigable nations! is your courage abated? -What! should you confine yourselves to your late progresses, as if there -remained no unknown lands? Will you never go and hoist your standards, -and build forts, directly under the Poles? Rouse yourselves, there are -still left riches to plunder, countries to waste, blood to spill. - -“But why should you cast your eyes on such objects? Are not your -possessions immense? Is not your luxury carried to the utmost height? -Are there still new vices to be introduced among you? And do not you -begin to shake off the troublesome yoke of every sort of duty? Without -doubt, you are very well, nor were you ever better. The little way you -have to arrive at perfection, will soon be gone over. When modern -wisdom, which timorously conceals herself still in the shade, shall -appear in broad day; when she shall have raised her proud head, and -shall see all Europe at her feet, universally adopting her maxims, then, -you will have neither religious nor moral principles; you will be at the -summit of felicity.” - - - - - CHAP. XIV. - THE MAXIMS. - - -The third work of which I remember to have seen the sketch on the -Fantastical Tree, was entitled, _Rules of Conduct for the Eighteenth -Century, addressed to a young Babylonian, who is coming into the world_. -It contained the following Maxims. - -“Every country has its customs, every age its manners; and, in human -wisdom, the only unchangeable Maxim is, to change with the times and -places. The most unquestionable Maxims of the Babylonians, and of the -present times are such as these: - -“To have true merit does not much signify; but to have small talents is -essential. To make one’s court, for example, and pretty verses, is -sufficient to prosper: and even farther than can be imagined. - -“Great faults shall be forgiven you, but the least ridiculous ones are -unpardonable. You think right, and say excellent things: But take care -you do not sneeze; it will be such an indecorum, that all the Babylonish -gravity would not be able to hold; and you might speak still better -things, and not a soul hear you. - -“Be particularly careful to act entirely with reference to yourself, and -to talk always with reference to the publick-good. It is a fine word, -that _publick-good_: If you would, it will never enter into your heart; -but it must be always in your mouth. - -“Seek not the esteem of the Babylonians in place, that leads to nothing; -seek to please. What, think you, will esteem do for you? It is so frozen -a sentiment, has so distant a relation to _self_! But amuse their -highnesses, and their eminencies, you will then be prized, they will not -suffer you out of their sight; they will do all for you, and think they -can never do enough. - -“Wait not to sollicit for a place you may be fit for; probably you will -not succeed. But ask, without distinction, for whatever shall offer. It -is a secret to you, but you must know, that it often enters into the -depth of true policy, to prefer unfit persons, and remove those that are -capable. - -“In fine, if you will prosper, turn, according to circumstances, -flatterer, like a dedication; quack, like a preface; verbose like a book -of art or science; enthusiast, like a demi-philosopher; liar, like an -historian; fool-hardy, like an author who is resolved to be talked of. - -“These are the true principles of wisdom: But remember, it is the -Babylonian wisdom of the Eighteenth Century.” - - - - - CHAP. XV. - THE THERMOMETERS. - - -As I was attentively examining a leaf of the Fantastical Tree, on which -I perceived grand projects, and insufficient means; I saw another, so -small and curled as to be almost invisible, fly off from a neighbouring -bough, and suddenly disappear. At the same instant I felt a slight -pricking in my forehead, and a sort of restlessness in my head, which I -cannot describe, and which has not left me ever since. - -Certainly this leaf has entered my brain, and is labouring to unfold -itself; some new invention will result from it one time or other. I even -begin to suspect of what kind; and I imagine, it will be a mechanical -affair. If I am not mistaken it is this: - -The different tempers, the different talents, the different dispositions -depend upon the heat and motion, more or less considerable, of the -animal spirits: This is a settled point among the physicians; I shall -not appeal from their judgment. The question would be to find a -mechanical instrument, to discover in each person the degree of heat and -motion of this animal liquid, in order to discern what any one is fit -for, and to employ him accordingly. This is what I am seeking, and what -the leaf, which is busy in my brain, when unfolded will not fail to show -me. - -I will compose a quintessence analogous to the animal liquid; and, -instead of spirits of wine, I will fill thermometers with it. On the -side of the tube, in the room of the different degrees of the -temperature of the air, there shall be an enumeration of the objects, -about which men are usually employed: Instead of cold, temperate, hot, -very hot, _&c._ shall be put, good for history, good for physick, good -for poetry, good for the gown, good for the sword, good for the mitre, -good for the baton, good for Bedlam, _&c._ - -When a person shall put his hand upon the phial, the liquor will be -condensed, or dilated; and, rising or falling in the tube, will show -what the person is good for. - -I will present Thermometers to sovereigns, that they may chuse Generals, -Ministers, Counsellors, and especially Favourites, who will love them -enough to tell them the truth. I will give some to Bishops to fill their -Benefices and Dignities, for I observe, that those who are appointed to -watch, should themselves be watched. I will give some to Fathers, that -their children may be wisely disposed of: We shall not see them gird -with a sword a son whom they ought to dedicate to the altar, nor bury in -a cloister a daughter who would have been the delight of a husband, and -the happiness of a family. I will give some to the Great, that they may -discern those who deserve their protection: They will grant it no more -to a base flatterer, to a supple intriguer, to an ostentatious mean -person, who has pretensions; but to true merit, which is seldom seen by -them, and never with all its advantages. I will give some to those -tender-hearted virtuous Girls, made to enliven the small number of our -pleasures, and to allay the multitude of our troubles. With my -Thermometers, they will chuse husbands worthy of their affection, if any -such there be; and they will not see themselves given up to men born for -the plague of their sex; those men without morals, who marry for life, -and espouse only for six months. - -In fine, I will give some to particular persons, that each may examine -himself, and act accordingly: For I observe, that generally every one -does what he should not do; I see none but what are misplaced. - -I am now solliciting for a pension, to defray the vast expence, that I -must evidently be at in making Thermometers, even though I should give -them only to such as most want them. - -It is true, that reflection might serve instead of my liquid and -glass-tubes, but reflections are known to be very rare. For example, it -is now at Babylon as on the real stage; all is action, nothing is -thought, and my Thermometers may become a necessary piece of furniture. - - - - - CHAP. XVI. - THE LENTILS. - - -The sap which circulates in the Fantastical Tree, said the Prefect, is -exhausted in bearing and nourishing leaves. Let it be considered, how -many plans, views, projects, come into men’s heads; the prodigious -quantity of leaves that this tree must furnish will be astonishing; and -it will be no longer wondered, that its whole substance is wasted in -their production. - -Mean while, the sap, passing into the philosophical branch, makes more -progress there than any where else; it produces blossoms, and sometimes -fruit. These blossoms are of a singular form and colour, that is to say, -admirable to some eyes, and very odd to others. Their odour is very -penetrating; few love it, many cannot bear it: To like it, requires a -strong head, and a brain organized on purpose. - -These same blossoms are extremely delicate: The least change of the air -disorders their economy. They generally fade without leaving any fruit. - -In fine, the fruit is very late, and seldom comes to perfect maturity. -The shell is almost round, divided within into little cells, and ending -at the top in a crown. - -The little cells of the philosophical fruit, are full of seeds -transparent as crystal, round and flatted like a Lentil, but infinitely -smaller. When the fruit is ripe, it bursts; the cells open, the seeds -come out. But as they are very light, they are suspended in the air, and -the wind blows them every way over the surface of the earth. - -One thing would astonish thee if thou wast not a little versed in -chymistry and optics, and that is, these philosophical grains have a -particular analogy to the eye. They will not stick to any other -substance; but, as soon as they come within the reach of certain eyes, -they never fail to fasten on them, and that just before the sight of the -eye. As they are perfectly transparent, they cannot be perceived: But -they are discovered by their effects. - -He that has a seed of this kind before his eyes, sees things as they -are, and he cannot be imposed upon by chimæras. What used to appear to -him _great_, is prodigiously lessened, and what appeared to him -_little_, is magnified in the same proportion; so that to his eyes, -every thing is upon a level or nearly so. - -In general, men appear to him very little, and those lords over others, -whom he beheld before as colossuses, seem to him so little above the -rest, that he hardly perceives the difference. - -He sees the extent of human knowledge, and finds it so near to -ignorance, that he does not conceive how learning can breed vanity, or -ignorance cause shame. - -He sees without disguise the phantom of immortality, the idol of the -great and the jest of the wise. He sees the celebrated names penetrate a -little more or less into futurity; and then stop like the rest and sink -into eternal oblivion. - -He sees what is low in the most sublime; the dark part of what casts the -most lustre, the weak side in what appears the strongest: And his -imagination presents to him nothing dazzling, but wherein his reason -discovers all the defects. - -He sees the earth, as a point in the boundless space; the series of -ages, as an instant in eternal duration; and the chain of human actions, -as the traces of a cloud of flies in the aerial plains. - -In fine, he respects virtue; and, as to the rest, whatever he perceives -all around him, even to the most minute things, seems to him all alike. -He esteems nothing, he despises nothing, he prefers nothing, and -accommodates himself to every thing. - -Such a man cannot be conceived to be susceptible of all those little -sallies of joy which affect others, but then he is screened from those -little mortifications which trouble them so much, and in my opinion, he -is a gainer. - - - - - CHAP. XVII. - THE SUBTERRANEOUS ROAD. - - -I have one thing more (said the Prefect) to show thee; prepare thy eyes -and thy ears; and be frightened at nothing. - -The rivulet, by the side of which we walked to the Fantastical Tree, -receives several streams as it flows along; and, as if it left with -regret so beautiful a residence, after forming a thousand serpentine -windings in the meadow, it glides gently towards its mouth. In that -place, a hole, formed by an opening of the earth, receives and transmits -it through subterraneous channels. - -We came to the place where it was broadest. The bottom was of smooth -gravel, and the water not above an inch deep. The Prefect went in and I -followed him. - -I had gone but a few paces, when the bottom gave way: I sunk, but it was -only to my waste; and I remained in that posture, without being able to -get to one side or the other. Fear nothing, says the Prefect, calmly -enjoy the last spectacle I have reserved for thee. - -I then gave myself up to the efforts of the waters, which carried me -away, and I soon entered into the subterraneous cavities, where they -were lost. At a little distance, the rivulet flowed into another, and -soon after, both ran into a river. I was carried from stream to stream; -I crossed gulphs, lakes, and seas. - -As long as a faint light permitted, I contemplated the internal frame of -the earth. It is a labyrinth of immense caverns, deep grottos, irregular -crevices, which have a communication with one another. The waters that -flow in these subterranean places, spread themselves sometimes into vast -basons, and seem to stagnate; sometimes they run with a rapid stream -through narrow straits; and dash against the rocks with such -impetuosity, as to produce the phosporus and flashes of lightening; very -often they fall from the top of the vaults with a dreadful noise. The -dazzled eye sees, as it imagines, the foundations of the earth shake; -one would think, that the whole was turned upside down, and falling into -chaos. - -When the glimmering light, which I had enjoyed some time, came to fail, -I found myself buried in profound darkness, which increased the horror, -I had conceived at what I had seen. A hideous noise, mixed with the -murmuring of the streams, with the whistling of the gulfs, with the -roaring of the torrents, threw me into great perturbation of mind; and -my troubled fancy formed to itself a thousand frightful images. - -I went on a good while in this darkness; and I know not how far I had -gone when a faint light struck my eyes. It was not like that which -precedes sun-rising, or follows sun-set; but that melancholy light, -which a town on fire spreads at a distance in the shade of the night. I -was some time before I saw whence it came: At last, I found myself close -to the most terrible of all the sights. - -A vast opening exposed to my eyes in an immense cavern, an abyss of -fire. The devouring flame rapidly consumed the combustible matter with -which the arched roofs of the abyss were impregnated. A thick smoke -mixed with fiery sparks, diffused itself to a great distance. From time -to time, the calcined stones fell down by pieces, and the liquified -metals formed flaming streams. Sometimes whole rocks, rent from the tops -of the vaults, gave passage to water, which poured down in boiling -streams. The moment the water touched the calcined matters and melted -minerals, it caused most shocking detonations: The concavities of the -globe resounded, their foundations were shaken: And I conceived that -such was the cause of those terrible earth-quakes, that have destroyed -so many countries, and swallowed up so many cities. - -I was soon in darkness again; for I still went on. Every moment I should -have been destroyed, if the Prefect of Giphantia had not watched over -me. I saw him no more: But his promise was with me: And the dangers, I -had escaped, heartened me against those I had still to undergo. By -degrees I took courage, and became so easy as to make some reflections. - -Alas! said I, through a frightful desart I came into the most beautiful -mansions in the world, and I am now going thence through gulfs, abysses, -and vulcanos. Good and evil closely follow one another. It is thus, the -light of the day and darkness of the night, the frosts of the winter and -the flowers of the spring, the gentle zephyrs and the raging storms, -succeed one another. However, by this strange concatenation, is formed -the enchanting prospect of nature. Let us not doubt it: The natural -world, notwithstanding its disorders, is the master-piece of infinite -wisdom; the moral world, in spite of its stains, is worthy the -admiration of the philosopher: And Babylon, with all its faults, is the -chief city of the world. - -At last, after many days of subterraneous navigation, I once more saw -the light; I came out of these terrible vaults, and the last current -landed me upon a maritime coast. The serenity of the air was not ruffled -with the wind; the calm sea shone with the rays of the rising-sun; and, -like a tender wife who stretches out her arms, and sweetly smiles on a -beloved husband, the earth seemed to resume new life at the return of -that glorious orb, from whence springs all its fertility. By degrees, my -troubled senses were calmed: I looked round me, and found myself in my -own country, six hundred furlongs north-west from Babylon, to which city -I address and dedicate this narrative of my hazardous travels. - - - _FINIS._ - ------ - -Footnote 1: - - The Jansenists (so called from Jansenius bishop of Ypres) explained - the Doctrine of Grace after the Calvinistical or rather Methodistical - manner, whilst the Molinists (so named from Molina a Spanish Jesuit) - explained it after the Arminian or rather Semi-pelagian way. The - Gallican clergy were divided between these two Opinions. - - The reader may remember, there are three opinions concerning Grace. - Says the Calvinist and Methodist, Grace does ALL. Says the Arminian - and Semi-pelagian, Grace does HALF. Says the Pelagian, Grace does - NOTHING. - -Footnote 2: - - The city of Ombi stood on the eastern side of the Nile, and Tentyra or - Tentyris on the western; both in Thebais part of Upper Egypt. The - Tentyrites were professed enemies of the Crocodiles, whilst the rest - of the Egyptians held them in great veneration, especially the - Ombites, who for their sake waged war with the Tentyrites. - -Footnote 3: - - Our author in this and the following chapter gives a very lively - summary of the four great monarchies of the world. - - I. The Assyrian or Babylonian founded by Nimrod (or Belus I.) soon - after the dispersion at Babel, and which ended with the taking of - Babylon (A. C. 538) by Cyrus who founded II. The Persian empire which - ended with the defeat of Darius Codomannus (A. C. 334) by Alexander - the Great who founded III. The Grecian or Macedonian empire which in - about five years was divided among his successors, and at length - (after the battle of Actium and death of Cleopatra) became subject to - IV. The Roman empire under Augustus Cæsar, of which there are still - some remains. - -Footnote 4: - - Arbaces governour of Media, and Belesis of Babylon. - -Footnote 5: - - After the death of Sardanapalus (who is said to burn himself, his - wives and concubines, his eunuchs and riches, in one of the courts of - his palace) the empire was divided into the Median over which Arbaces - reigned at Nineveh, and the Assyrian over which Belesis reigned at - Babylon. These were united under Cyrus about 210 years after. Belesis - (the Baladan of Scripture) is called also Nabonassar. From the first - year of his reign begins the famous Astronomical Æra of Nabonassar, - containing 908 years from February 26 before Christ 747, to the 23d - year of Antoninus Pius in the year of our Lord 161. - -Footnote 6: - - Nebuchadnezzer (A. C. 589) utterly destroyed Jerusalem, put out king - Zedekiah’s eyes, killed his sons and erected the golden image in the - plains of Dura. - -Footnote 7: - - By a solemn treaty Ptolemy had Egypt, _&c._ Cassander had Macedonia - and Greece. Lysimachus had Thrace, Bithynia, _&c._ Seleucus had Syria, - _&c._ Of these, the kingdom of Egypt (under 14 monarchs including - Cleopatra) and of Syria (under 27 kings) subsisted till subdued by the - Romans. The rest soon fell to pieces. - -Footnote 8: - - His Library is said to consist of above 200,000 volumes. Among the - rest was the Septuagint or Greek translation of the Old Testament A. - C. 267. done by Ptolemy’s order. This library was at last destroyed by - fire. - -Footnote 9: - - This man who from a huntsman raised himself to the throne of Lusitania - (now Portugal) defeated the Romans in several battles; so that Cepion - the consul was forced at last to have him murdered by treachery. He - was (says Livy) much lamented and honorably buried. - -Footnote 10: - - Rome was taken by Alaric king of the Goths in 410. By Genseric the - Vandal in 455. By Odoacer king of the Heruli in 465, and by Totila the - Goth in 546, by whom it was miserably plundered. - -Footnote 11: - - Attila king of the Huns, (called _the scourge of God_) after his other - devastations entered Gaul with 500,000 Men and was defeated in the - plains of Chalons in 451, with the loss of 200,000 Huns. After which - he wasted Italy and destroyed Aquileia and other places. Then - returning home, he died on his wedding night. The Huns were the most - terrible of all the northern swarms. By the very terror of their - countenances they are said to over-run the Scythians, Alans and Goths. - They were so ignorant as not to know letters. - -Footnote 12: - - Mahomet was born at Mecca in Arabia, May 5, 570. He is thought by some - to be persuaded that he was really inspired to propagate the belief of - one God, and to overthrow the idolatrous religion of his country. If - he retained some absurd notions, it was (say they) to induce his - countrymen to embrace his religion. The Mahometan æra begins July 16, - 622, when he fled from Mecca to Medina. He died Jan. 17, 631, after - having reduced Arabia to his obedience. His religion has since spread - itself over Asia, Africa, and great part of Europe. - -Footnote 13: - - Soliman, father of the Othman race, came out of Scythia with 50,000 - men in the year 1214, and pushed his conquests to the Euphrates. In - attempting to pass that river he was drowned in 1219. Othman his - grandson was declared sultan in 1300. Mahomet II. the seventh emperor - of the Turks, put an end to the Eastern empire by taking - Constantinople in 1453. The Turks embraced the religion of Mahomet. - -Footnote 14: - - Camayeu, is a stone, whereon are found various figures formed by - nature. It is the name the orientals give the onyx, on which and on - agate, these natural figures are often found. When the figures are - perfected by art, it is still called a camayeu, as is also a painting - in one colour, representing basso relievos. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Changed all long ſ to short s. - 2. Added 200 to all page numbers in Part 2 to avoid conflicts with Part - 1 numbering. - 3. Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - 4. Retained anachronistic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as - printed. - 5. Footnotes have been re-indexed using numbers and collected together - at the end of the last chapter. - 6. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. - 7. 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